Car Key Theft
While developments in car technology improve, locking devices and sophisticated alarm systems have made it increasingly difficult for offenders to steal.
These improvements in technology have led to the emergence of a general trend known as ‘car key crime’ where thieves specifically target car keys to steal cars.
Although the number of offences committed in the West Midlands is extremely low, police are keen to work with car owners to reduce the chance of them becoming a victim. Being aware of how thieves operate, what they are looking for and some basic crime prevention measures can reduce the risk to you.
Reducing the risk:
- When at home at night make sure car keys are not in view. However we do not advise keeping them in the bedroom. If thieves did enter your home you don’t want to attract their attention when you are at your most vulnerable. Remember it’s the keys they want, not you
- If you have a garage, always make sure the car is parked in it overnight
- Use a good home security system. You’ve made a huge investment – protect it
- Invest in a tracking device so if your car is stolen it stands a better chance of being traced. If your car is fitted with a tracking device, do you know how to activate it?
- Use your common sense and do not put yourself in danger – a car can be replaced
- If you are bumped or rear-ended in a suspicious way, do not leave your car. Lock the doors and windows and drive to the nearest police station
- Never leave the keys in the ignition when leaving your car, e.g. when paying for petrol or getting a ticket to park. That’s all the time it takes for a car to be taken
- Be alert when you are outside – consider who is around you and where your keys are
- Before getting out of your car, check your surroundings – wherever you are. If you feel uneasy do not park, drive off
West Midlands Police have produced a video, funded by the Home Office, looking at some of the most recent methods used by offenders to steal cars and offering advice on how you can reduce the risk of becoming a potential target.
Please click on the links below to find out how you can prevent this type of crime happening to you.
- Part one of the security is key video (WMV file 38mb)
- Part two of the security is key video (WMV file 56mb)
- Part three of the security is key video (WMV file 12mb)
- Part four of the security is key video (WMV file 25mb)