community impact

On the 23rd of August 2026 PC PEVERLEY one of our local Officers from the Heywood and Middleton Neighbourhood team attended an incident around Hollin Lane, whereby a theft of a motor vehicle had occurred. Following speaking to the victim of this crime it was established that the vehicle in question had been taken using a form of digital software to scan information and codes from keys to allow for keyless entry to the cars without actually causing any damage or entry to premises to obtain car keys. With this a lot of questions and concerns were raised by resident of the area which had seen the post online from the victim's family surrounding the incident and what had occurred. 

With this PC PEVERLEY attended all neighbouring and adjoining properties nearby in the area, to discuss and make them aware of the incident which had occurred and offer any advice, answer any questions and concerns which they may have had surrounding the vehicle theft. Of course, vehicle theft is an ongoing and is a repeat crime that occurs on a regular basis however these are always in spells across an area with offenders who will target specific vehicles and properties and, on this occasion, it seems to be that of key less entry cars.

From the families and members of the public he visited safeguarding advice was given out about how to keep your home safe that be via CCTV installations, sensor lights and ensuring all windows and doors are secure. Remember always double check!

Further to this he also gave out faraday cases for car keys to be placed into to stop and block scans or signals intercepting a keys preventing offenders getting into cars and making it harder for them to commit crime. (These can also be purchased online).

This appears to be a new and more frequently used trend in how offenders operate and ultimately, they will look for any weaknesses in your property to try and get what they came for and will often scope out vehicles before committing the crime. 

This goes out to all residents within Heywood and Middleton remain vigilant and remember keep all doors secure, ensure all vehicles are locked and further ensure that keys for doors and cars are kept in a secure location.

Vehicle thefts can have a huge impact on family lives, working lives and can cause larger issues within communities due to the nature of what has occurred. 

This area in particular could become a specific area for offenders to target vehicles. 

Remember if you or any one you know has experience a theft of their vehicle make sure to report it via 999, 101 or live chat. 

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