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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Vehicle crime (theft from or theft of), which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. We have previously notified you that tradespersons vehicles are being targeted across Cardiff City Centre for power tools from NCP Car Parks.
Further to this, we have also seen a steady rise of Relay Theft.
What is Relay Theft and how could it affect you? Vehicles fitted with a smart or passive key (a contactless key) are susceptible to a type of theft called “Relay Theft”.
There are a wide range of electronic devices, key cloning devices and other tools that can be easily obtained by opportunist thieves and criminal gangs to target your vehicle.
The criminals normally work in pairs, targeting vulnerable and desirable makes of vehicles by using cloning devices that have the ability to grab the signal from the smart key so that it appears to the car or van that the key is present.
The whole process can take as little as 60 seconds and for safety reasons, the engine won’t cut out when the key is out of range.
Your vehicle is most vulnerable overnight, particularly if parked on your driveway, in a public car park or directly outside your home where most of these thefts occur.
Manufacturers and industry bodies have been working to combat Relay Theft for many years – if you are purchasing a new car please speak to your car dealer.
In the meanwhile, please see below ways to avoid becoming a victim of Relay Theft
1. Use a pouch: When not in use either at home, when out and about or on holiday – store your keys in a security pouch. Security pouches are sometimes termed Faraday bags or RFID signal Fob Blocker/shields, these pouches will prevent the signal from your vehicle from being captured using electronic devices.
2. Don't leave keys by the door: Don’t leave your keys in the hallway near the front door as fishing for vehicle keys through the letterbox is a prominent method of stealing them. Grabbing the signal will be easier for the thieves if the keys are near the front door.
3. Disable fobs: Some types of key fobs can be switched to disabled, so check your vehicle manual or ask your dealer for advice.
4. Install a tracker: Tracker systems can increase the chances of recovery of your vehicle if it is stolen. Many systems activate once the vehicle is stolen and track it via GPS and other systems. SBD have several members which specialise in this area and can advise on the best system for your vehicle type and can also fit the product.
5. Use locks or clamps: Consider using physical security like a steering wheel lock or wheel clamp as modern car thieves prefer not to attack these types of physical security devices as they want to get away quickly without getting caught.
6. Consider CCTV: The installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) which can be linked to your television or video to view your garden is an alternative. If you do decide to use CCTV it is important to read the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) advice on Domestic CCTV systems.
As well as the information above, please remember to apply the information we've previously provided to you in regards to reducing the likelihood of becoming a victim of Theft From a Motor Vehicle. Please respond to this email if you have not received that message.
Thank you. Diolch.
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.south-wales.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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