POLICE in the Scottish Borders have issued security advice to car owners.

Officers say that despite modern locking systems on vehicles, some criminals do manage to overcome them by using devices bought legally and relatively cheaply on the internet.

All of which work by affecting the radio frequency imitated by the key fob / device, enabling vehicles to be stolen despite owners having possession of the key(s).

Keyless vehicles automatically lock / unlock depending on the proximity of a key device, which is usually no bigger than a bank card.

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The system operates via radio signals passed between vehicle and key device. These signals can be intercepted by criminals.

Keys constantly emit a signal, (at times even detectable from within a building), which can be picked up by anyone with an appropriate transmitter relay device.

The signal is relayed back to the vehicle, which unlocks and allows the start button to work and once away from the scene of the crime, a new key can be programmed via the OBD port.

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Preventative measures:

Keep your key device in a Faraday pouch (see picture), which has a lining that prevents the items inside from receiving or transmitting radio frequency signals.

Check vehicle doors are locked before walking away.

Do not store keys near windows or doors.

If you buy a second hand keyless car, get the key reprogrammed.

Make sure the key and any spares are stored securely and safely.

Consider using a steering lock.