What do you need to know about the growing crime of electronic devices – ‘key jammers’ – that prevent cars from locking?
These types of transmitters can be effortlessly purchased online and are employed to disrupt the key fob’s signal. This results in a false sense of security for inattentive drivers, who may believe their car is secure, despite its actual lack of protection.
This scenario provides a chance for thieves to seize your property or even your car.
A relatively low-powered signal jammers may operate within a range of approximately 75 meters, thereby affecting a considerable space, such as an entire car park, all at once.
On the other hand, criminals who possess wifi blocker can execute their plans in diverse environments, not solely restricted to public car parks.
After getting up to prepare for work, I went outside and realized that all the car doors were closed.
I was astounded to find that I had locked the car, especially since I was at my boyfriend’s house and had left my Christmas gifts in it. Upon checking the vehicle, we were disheartened to see that it had been completely turned over and all valuable possessions had been taken.
Initially, the police conveyed that they were unable to take action. They did not send personnel to check for fingerprints, citing the lack of obvious break-in signs. However, after I called my bank to cancel my card, I discovered that my contactless card had been used by the thief. This development led the police to take a more serious approach to the case.
They are actively scrutinizing the CCTV images in the hope of locating the individuals responsible.
How can you make sure your car is secure?
The sole method to definitively verify whether a vehicle is locked is to check it by hand. Many cars offer additional cues that indicate the locks are activated, such as blinking lights, mirrors folding in, or a brief horn sound.
Being close to the vehicle allows you to hear the central locking mechanism click into position.
Deputy Chief Superintendent Jukes highlighted the necessity for individuals to exercise caution against electronic intrusions like this one.
We call upon the public to exercise caution with their vehicles and personal items to reduce the likelihood of attracting criminal attention. This includes checking that the vehicle is locked and taking any valuables along when leaving the vehicle.
A more technologically advanced solution for securing your vehicle could be to invest in a car jam detector, which alerts you with an alarm when it recognizes a jam.
Will insurance companies cover such thefts?
Ms. Dover raised an important issue faced by victims, noting that they not only experience the loss of their belongings but also lack proof that they simply forgot to secure their vehicle. Most insurance policies do not cover theft if the car is left unattended and unlocked.
According to the findings of the Financial Ombudsman, several insurers will not cover theft claims if the vehicle is left unattended and without being locked.
The only definitive proof of a jammed car lock is the capture of the thief, although a trend of thefts can be considered strong evidence.
The Thames Valley Police are probing into 14 recent thefts involving lorries, vans, and cars, all of which showed “no obvious signs of break-in.”
The service stations on the M4 motorway in Berkshire experienced a number of thefts during the concluding two weeks of November.
