Car thieves hack off motorists

DRIVERS across Lincolnshire are being warned to take extra care after a rise in the number of cars being stolen using hacking equipment.

Last week, two BMWs were stolen from near Bourne and police say that thefts, particularly of high-value newer models such as Mercedes, Audi and BMW, have increased significantly across the country.

Thieves are able to steal the vehicles by using electronic devices which can either hack a car’s encryption code or jam the central locking signal.

A statement by the Bourne and Billingborough Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “Wherever possible, keep vehicles in a garage , and ensure that the vehicle keys are never left with a third party such as valet parking schemes, car washes or people coming to test drive a car when it is being sold etc.

“If possible fit a disc steering wheel lock and a dual band tracking device to “secured-by-design” standards to enable the vehicle to be tracked.”

Anyone who witnesses any suspicious behaviour around cars should call 101 and try to make a note of information including registration numbers, make and model of the car and descriptions of people involved.