Gardai warn of car theft by remote control

Andrew Carey

andrew@limerickpost.ie

CAR THIEVES are accessing devices known as “car key signal blockers” and thus enabling them to steal cars by remote control.

With that in mind, Gardaí are advising all drivers, both private and commercial, to make sure they properly lock and secure their cars.

A number of incidents have occurred recently where members of the public have found their cars broken into and property removed, all without any overt damage caused to their vehicle.

Since then, a number of items known as “car key signal blockers” have been seized by Gardaí. These devices are used by criminals to block signals used in the remote locking mechanism of vehicles and have an effective range of 50 metres.

The driver may be distracted when leaving their car and assumes they have locked it without hearing the alarm cues. But unknown to them, their car key signal has been blocked and the car remains unlocked. The criminal can easily remove any valuable property without being noticed.

Gardai are advising drivers to secure all doors, close all windows and put on your car alarm even if it is only for a short period of time, but above all, to double-check your door is closed after you have engaged your alarm. Manually lock the car with the key if in any doubt.

Do not leave property on view inside your car wherever it is parked and be wary of people loitering in parking areas who may be operating jammers or of people trying to distract you.