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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Conor Coyle

Co Tyrone keyless car thieves make off with children's Christmas presents

Children's Christmas presents were among the items stolen during two keyless car thefts in the Mid Ulster area in the last week.

Police believe the theft of a BMW X5 in Coalisland and a Mercedes GLC in the Ardboe area in recent days may be linked, with both vehicles being taken from homes despite car keys remaining inside the properties.

One of the victims of the car thefts told Belfast Live that Christmas presents for their children had been in the car at the time, as well as bank cards and other valuables.

READ MORE: Co Tyrone mum raises six figure sum for families in need at Christmas

They added they weren't aware the car was missing until a family member visited their home that morning and asked where it was.

Police have urged people to be vigilant with their vehicles and use physical car and key locks to prevent keyless car thefts.

"Sometime between 10pm on Saturday 17th December and shortly after 7:35am on Sunday 18th December, it was reported that entry was gained to a black BMW X5 vehicle that was parked at a property in the Millbrook area of Coalisland," a PSNI spokesperson said.

"Shortly after 8:05am on Monday 19th December, it was reported that a blue Mercedes GLC that was parked at a property in the Killycolpy Road area of Stewartstown was stolen.

"In both cases, the keys of the two vehicles were inside their respective properties and at this stage police are investigating a potential link between both incidents with the two vehicle still outstanding at this time.

"Police enquiries are continuing and officers are appealing to anyone with any information or who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 563 18/12/22.

"Car owners should take the same precautions as they do with their home security, cars are extremely expensive and where possible keep your car in a garage and lock driveway gates.

"Use physical car locks such as steering column locks and chains, as well as keeping all car keys (including spares) away from exterior doors and walls.

"Motorists are also advised to use a blocking pouch also called a Faraday pouch (lined with metallic material) to help block the wireless signal from your key fob."

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