POLICE are warning motorists to be on their guard after seeing an increase in keyless car thefts.
They warn that criminals only need to be within a few metres of a car to capture the signal.
Thieves use special equipment to intercept the codes, and this can be done when the thief is outside a home and the key is inside.
Thames Valley Police warns that thieves can still unlock, start and steal cars when the keys are secure inside. It urges residents to store affected car keys in a metal tin or signal-blocking pouch when not in use.
Alternatively, keyless cars could be blocked in with another vehicle, making it harder to steal.
Some keys also have an option to turn off the signal transmitted.
