POLICE have urged keyless car owners to be vigilant following a spate of thefts. 

Officers believe thieves have been using a device which fools the locking system into thinking the owner's remote key fob is close by. 

This unlocks the car and allows the ignition to be started.

Three vehicles were stolen using this method in Royal Wootton Bassett on Wednesday, April 3. 

PC Lucy Wright, of the Royal Wootton Bassett neighbourhood team, said: “Please protect yourself and your vehicle from this kind of crime by taking a few important steps.

“Firstly, place car keys in a security/Faraday pouch when not in use. 

"These block the transmission of the signal from the car key once inside the pouch.

“Turn off the fob’s wireless signal when not in use, and don’t leave them near your door or window.

“You can also consider installing a tracker, which will increase the chances of vehicle recovery if it is stolen, and strongly consider the use of a steering wheel lock in your vehicle as these can’t be compromised via technology.

“If you have a garage, use it to secure your vehicle in and if you park on the driveway, park as close to the property as you can.

“If you have more than one vehicle on your driveway, park the less desirable vehicle in front of the more desirable vehicle to block its access.”