Global Telemetrics launches short film to highlight keyless vehicle thefts trend in UK

In the first half of 2022, Global Telemetrics has reported a 85 per cent increase in vehicle recoveries compared to the first half of 2021.

In 2021, the DVLA reported the Ford Fiesta to be the most stolen vehicle across the UK with models of Fiesta and Range Rover occupying nine spots of the top 10 stolen vehicles.

London, West Midlands, Lancashire, Yorkshire and Essex have been identified as hotspots for thefts so far this year.

By far, the most popular vehicle stolen for Global Telemetrics is the Range Rover, which made up 51 per cent of all the vehicles recovered.

A high percentage of these premium vehicles are targeted due to being easily sold or broken down and sold in parts.

Range Rovers and other premium vehicles being keyless are increasingly easier to steal. Signal boosting relays can pick up the signal of a key inside the victim’s location and allow for a blank key to be reprogrammed, or the vehicle to be unlocked and started via the transmitter.

In Global Telemetrics' recent short film, criminals can be seen picking up the signal and then unlocking the Range Rover and driving away.

The film depicts an accurate representation of how quick and easy this can be - with most keyless thefts completed within two minutes.

Footage of the theft mirrors CCTV footage released by tracking companies and police forces of thefts over the last few months which have highlighted the increasing trend.

Thanks to aftermarket tracking devices like Global Telemetrics' SmarTrack devices, more victims are able to reclaim their vehicles despite the manufacturer's in-built device often being removed. As shown, the tracking device accurately pinpoints the location of the vehicle which is then passed to a dedicated repatriations team who