Car thieves target Crawley homes with sneaky keyless tech scam
Crawley’s Forgewood area is under siege from crafty car thieves using a high-tech “Relay Attack” to nab keyless vehicles right from residents’ homes. Locked cars and secure houses mean nothing to these crooks.
Relay Attack: The new weapon in thief’s arsenal
These criminals get within metres of your car key inside your house, snatching its signal with special gadgets. They then use this to unlock, start, and nick your vehicle—no forced entry needed. This technique smashes through both your car’s and your home’s security.
Smart tips to outwit the relay raiders
- Keep keys and spares away from the car when you’re at home.
- Store keys in signal-blocking gear like Faraday pouches.
- Reprogram second-hand car keys and disable wireless fob signals when not in use.
- Double-check your car is locked—don’t trust the electronic system alone.
- Lock cars manually if unsure and watch out for shady characters nearby.
- Fit lockable covers on engine management ports to block another common thief trick.
Spot crime? Report it fast
If you notice anything suspicious or become a victim, contact Sussex police immediately. Call 101 or report online at https://orlo.uk/Jiais. For emergencies, dial 999.
