Keep your keyless vehicles secure in St Albans and Harpenden

Keyless Range Rovers, BMW X5s, Volvo XC90 and Audi Q7 are some of the cars currently being targeted by thieves in the St Albans district – but you can reduce the chance of your car being stolen.

St Albans Detective Inspector Ady Lysak said: “Most of the thefts of motor vehicles in St Albans and Harpenden are keyless and most thieves are opportunist, so will choose a car that is easy to steal.   You can easily help reduce the chance of your vehicle being targeted by keeping the vehicle and spare key away from the vehicle and use a signal-blocking bag such as a faraday bag.  Turn off the wireless signal on the vehicle fob when it is parked.  Make sure doors and windows are securely locked. It is also a good idea to use a steering wheel lock or tracker device. 

“Consider investing in CCTV or doorbell cameras and security lights.”

A keyless BMV X5 was stolen overnight on Monday 5 March in Claudian Place in St Albans.

A keyless Volvo XC90 was stolen overnight on Monday 5 March in Samian Gate in St Albans.

A keyless Audi Q7 was stolen overnight on 26 February in Moreton End Lane in Harpenden.

The A1081 London Road and surrounding streets in St Albans is the hotspot area for thefts from motor vehicles and vehicle interference.

In the past five weeks, there has been 25 interference of motor vehicles where offender(s) have tried door handles and boots of vehicles parked on driveways.

There has also been 24 thefts from motor vehicles reported in St Albans, Harpenden and London Colney.

DI Lysak said: “We believe some residents have left their vehicles insecure after unloading shopping or taking children out of the car and forgetting to lock their vehicles. If vehicles are locked, offenders tend to quickly move on, so this crime is easily preventable. Please remember to remove all valuables including handbags, manbags, loose change, sunglasses, mobile phones and laptops – and securely lock your vehicle.” 

He added: “Try and park in a well-lit area or garage if possible and consider investing in security lights or CCTV or dash cams.”

Cash was stolen from a vehicle parked in New House Park overnight on 4 March. 41/18506/24

A bank card and keys for another vehicle were stolen from a vehicle parked in Hart Road, St Albans, overnight on 1 March. 41/17365/24

Items were stolen from a vehicle parked in College Road, St Albans, overnight on 20 February (41/14686/24).

For more advice, please visit crime prevention advice webpage.

You can also report information online or speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in a new window).