It’s worth pointing out that given the data referenced here is from the CSEW, it is sourced from a very narrow pool of scenarios; for example, the sample size for March 2023-2024 is just 52 incidents, which is a minuscule fraction of the tens of thousands of car thefts that occurred in that timeframe. The CSEW also relies on individual reporting and given that there isn’t always certainty over how a car was broken into, there may be some discrepancies.
Nevertheless, there is no disputing that keyless car theft is a real issue, with the Government only recently having put forward plans to outlaw the types of devices used to perform it. Under section 68 of the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, only the usage of signal jammers, for example, has been viewed as illegal – not necessarily the ownership of this sort of tech.
Those found in possession of keyless car theft devices will soon have to prove they hold them for a “legitimate purpose”, such as using signal repeaters to boost mobile phone coverage in areas of poor reception.
Speaking when the new rules were first proposed, Labour Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, Dame Diana Johnson MP said: “These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday lives. We are aware of the real concerns people feel with the use of these electronic devices being so prolific.”
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