This is a term that is now being used for a burglary at a house where the sole reason for entering the premises is to steal the car keys for the vehicle. Over recent years car manufacturer have made vehicle security a priority with more and more sophisticated systems in place to stop the theft being able to take the car. The vehicles car keys have now become as valuable as the car.
It is very important that owners of such vehicles are aware of this and take those extra precautions to limit the opportunity to the thief to get the keys.
The persons who want these vehicles are professionals, the vehicles are either stolen to order right down to the make, model, colour and even accessories or they are stolen to be used in other serious crimes. Owners need to consider there they park their vehicles either at work, at leisure or at night. Offenders cruise locations looking for the vehicles to target and even follow vehicles to there destination.
Here is some of the advice we suggest
- Put your vehicle in the garage overnight
- On entering the house secure the door behind you
- Do not leave you keys on open view at or at work
- Keep them in a safe place away from doors and windows there they can be seen. People have stolen keys without even entering the premises
- Use the security you already have, that is to say if you have a house alarm then use it.
- Look to update your house security. You have purchased an expensive car with good security now spend some money on the home.
- Consider CCTV cameras or if you have them already are they fit for purpose.
- Are you able to gate your driveway
The most important advice must be if you are threatened with violence for your car keys is to hand them over do not put yourself at risk
Contact you local Community Safety Unit where an Officer who has received Home Office Crime Reduction Training will give further advice .