APRIL 2024 LEICESTERSHIRE BUILDER MAGAZINE online

34 Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • APRIL 2024 • Tel: 01530 244069 • Email: info@buildermagazines.co.uk
Car Thefts Have Risen By 50%
Due To ‘Smart Keys’ - Expert
Reveals How To Keep Yours Safe
Car thefts are now at their highest in a decade, and the
recent rise is down to the automatic systems that unlock
cars with ‘smart keys’.
The number of stolen cars has risen from 85,803 vehicles in the year to
March 2012 to 130,270 in the year to March 2023, an increase of more than
50%, and this is largely down to the new technology.
As a result, Ben Pitcher, car expert and owner of DPFexperts, has
explained how to keep your car safe and out of the hands of thieves if you
have ‘smart keys’.
Please find Ben’s advice below:
Signal Blocking
Faraday cage your keys: It may be worthwhile
investing a relatively small amount of money in a
Faraday pouch, a metal-lined box that blocks the
signal emitted by your key fob, in order to deter any
car thieves.
When your keys aren’t in use, simply store them in
the Faraday cage, especially at night if you usually
keep them near windows or doors.
Faraday cage available from Amazon for £18.99
Metal containers work too: If you don’t want to
splash out on a Faraday cage, a metal tin may also do the same job. Even
your fridge can offer temporary signal-blocking protection from car thieves,
but you may want to tell anyone you live with beforehand so they don’t start
asking questions!
Habitual Security
Double-check the lock: Although it may
seem obvious, it’s important that you always
double-check that your car is physically
locked and don’t solely rely on the automatic
locking feature, especially after you think
you’ve locked it using the key fob.
Keep keys out of sight: It’s unfortunate
that you have to think about such mundane
things, but it’s important that you don’t leave
your keys near windows or doors, even inside
your house, as this makes them vulnerable to
signal relay attacks.
Consider a steering wheel lock: Steering locks may have gone out of
fashion some time ago, but they are an effective way of keeping your
vehicle out of the wrong hands. While not foolproof, a visible steering wheel
lock can deter opportunistic thieves.
Steering wheel lock available from Toolstation for £23.98
Advanced Security
Talk to your car dealer: It’s important to be informed about the technology
you are purchasing or are already in possession of, so it’s advisable to ask
your car dealer about your specific model’s capabilities. Newer key fobs
might have features like motion detection that deactivate the signal when
not in use.
Invest in a tracker: It may seem a tad extreme, but it could prove very
beneficial to install a hidden GPS tracker in your car as this can help
authorities locate your vehicle even if it’s stolen.
Explore aftermarket solutions: Additional security systems like ghost
immobilisers, which require a separate code to start the car, can add
another layer of protection.
Understanding The Threat
Relay attacks: Thieves use two devices, one near the key fob and another
near the car, to amplify the key’s signal and trick the car into unlocking.
Source: DPFexperts
Melton Borough
Council adds three new
homes to its housing stock
MELTON BOROUGH
COUNCIL has
acquired three
new homes,
adding to its
housing stock and
providing new,
high-quality homes
for households in
housing need.
The brand-new
properties are situated across the borough, with a two-bedroom house
located in Melton Mowbray and two three-bedroom properties located
in Asfordby and are the first in a pipeline of housing acquisitions being
progressed by the council as part of its affordable housing development
plan.
The new homes are now available through the Council’s Housing
Register and eligible housing register applicants can express an interest in
the homes via their Housing online account. The houses will be allocated
in line with the Council’s Housing Allocations Policy and will be let at an
affordable rent.
Cllr Carter and Cllr Clay, who represent the Asfordby Ward, recently
joined housing colleagues to view the new homes in the village. They
commented that “These two new homes in Asfordby are well located for
the village’s amenities and will provide a good quality housing option for
families in need. We were delighted to see that both properties are fitted
with integrated kitchen appliances, and are fully decorated and carpeted”
Residents can apply to be on the Council’s Housing register at www.
melton.gov.uk/housing/apply .
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