CCTV footage captured the moment a man used a 'bridging device' to steal a car from outside a Greater Manchester home.
The footage showed a hooded man holding up the device outside a house, before the car unlocked within just 15 seconds. Within the next minute and a half, the car was then driven away, police said.
The use of bridging devices - which are used to trick keyless entry vehicles into behaving as if the keys are nearby - has contributed to a 2.9 per cent increase in vehicle thefts in our region in the 12 months to March 2023. Though police said officers have solved 56 per cent more of the crimes than in the previous year.
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Drivers are being urged to keep their car keys away from their parking space. Faraday Pouches can also be used to protect keys.
Superintendent Ian Jones, GMP lead for vehicle crime, said: "Whilst vehicle theft has increased, so too has GMP’s fight against it – officers have solved 379 more of these crimes last year than they did in the previous. The force has a number of ongoing operations to stop thieves in their tracks and progress is evidently being made but there are steps drivers can take to protect their vehicles.
"If you have a keyless entry car, please keep your keys in your property and well away from your parking space, consider purchasing a Faraday Pouch or steering wheel lock – which is proven to be a brilliant deterrent. I'd also encourage those with garages to use them."
GMP can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Anonymous reports can be made via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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