Increase in Vehicle Interference Incidents

To All Residents,

We are writing to make you aware of a recent increase in incidents of vehicle interference within our community. Reports have been received of individuals attempting to open car and van door handles, often to look for valuable items left inside.

While not all attempts have resulted in theft, the activity is concerning and can cause distress and inconvenience. We kindly ask all residents to take the following precautions:

What is a “keyless” car and how thieves exploit it

Keyless-entry cars let you unlock and start the vehicle without pressing a button on a key, the car and key fob communicate wirelessly. Thieves can use a technique called a relay attack, criminals use devices to capture and relay the signal from a key fob (often inside a house) to the car, tricking the vehicle into thinking the key is nearby so they can unlock and start it and drive away in your vehicle. 

What is a Faraday pouch?

A Faraday pouch is a signal-blocking pouch lined with conductive material that prevents radio signals reaching the key fob. When a key is stored inside a good-quality Faraday pouch the pouch blocks the fob’s signal and prevents relay attacks and other remote attempts to read the fob. 

Your vigilance will help reduce the risk of crime and keep our neighbourhood safer.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Yours sincerely,

PCSO BAIN C7409 

Wolverton and Stony Stratford neighbourhood policing team.