20/03/2024

PSNI Advises Keyless Car Owners To Ensure Their Vehicles Safety

Following the theft of a BMW in Armagh in the early hours of Tuesday, 19 March, the PSNI have issued advice to owners of keyless cars on the steps they can take to ensure their vehicles safety.

Detective Sergeant Stewart said: "A report was received that the black BMW X5 Sport was taken from the driveway of a home in the Limestone Square area of the town at around 4.15am.

"The homeowner saw a man dressed in dark clothing with a large backpack on her driveway, and realised her vehicle was missing just before the man made off on foot. The owner still had both sets of keys to the vehicle in her possession.

"We would appeal to anyone who may have noticed suspicious behaviour in the area, or who may have captured relevant doorbell or CCTV footage, to make contact with police on 101. We would also appeal to anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching the above description, or been offered it for sale in suspicious circumstances, to contact us.

"A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."

Detective Sergeant Stewart continued: "If you are a keyless car owner, we would remind you of the following advice to help prevent you becoming a victim of theft.

"When at home, please keep your car key (and spare key) away from the car, doors and windows.

"Put your keys in a signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.

"Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.

"Use a steering wheel lock or car alarm.

"Park in your garage overnight. If you don't have a garage park as close to your home as possible."

For more information visit the Police Service of Northern Ireland's website here: www.psni.police.uk/advice_information/vehicle-purchase-and-protection2/preventing-keyless-car-theft/

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 November 2019
High Value BMW Stolen In Co Down
A high value vehicle has been stolen by thieves using keyless technology in Co Down. The BMW was taken from the Grovernors Gate development in Hillsborough sometime between 11.30pm on Tuesday 05 November and 4am on Wednesday. Appealing for information, a PSNI spokesperson urged motorists to ensure keys are stored in a safe place at all times.
11 November 2019
Car Thieves Steal 16 Vehicles
Motorists with high value cars are being warned to remain vigilant after 16 vehicles with keyless technology were stolen across counties Down and Armagh. The luxury cars, including brands such as BMW, Range Rover and Lexus were all taken without gaining entry to the owner's home and without taking keys.
13 February 2017
Road Reopens Following Westlink Crash
Traffic is moving freely again following a five-car collision on the Westlink on Monday afternoon, 13 February. The crash, which involved five vehicles, occurred at the M2 bound Divis Street on-slip. The road was closed to traffic coming from Divis Street. The accident has since been cleared and the road has re-opened.
09 January 2012
Car Sales Drop Most In NI
According to recent figures the UK new car market has done better than predicted in 2011 but it is still in decline with Northern Ireland sales showing the biggest drop. A regional breakdown of new car registrations has shown that sales in Northern Ireland fell by 11.7% in 2011 to 47,229 vehicles.
21 August 2006
NCP awarded contract to enforce parking restrictions
The government has today announced the National Car Parks Ltd (NCP) has been awarded the contract for enforcing parking restrictions in Northern Ireland. This will allow the transfer of responsibility for parking enforcement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) to the Department for Regional Development, in the Autumn.