Land Rover stolen from Bruern in suspected ‘relay attack’

The incident took place overnight between August 23 and 24 in Bruern, near Burford.

The thieves reportedly managed to take the vehicle without having access to its keys.

It is believed the Land Rover may have been targeted using a method known as a ‘relay attack’.

This method is commonly associated with the theft of keyless-entry vehicles.

A relay attack involves criminals capturing and extending the signal from a keyless car key inside a home.

One offender may stand close to the property and pick up the signal being transmitted by the key, using electronic equipment.

This signal is then relayed to another device positioned near the vehicle, effectively tricking the vehicle into believing the genuine key is nearby.

This tactic allows offenders to unlock and, on some vehicles, start the car without physically possessing the key.

In response to the incident, the police have shared tips on how to protect vehicles from similar attacks.

These include storing keyless keys inside a good-quality signal-blocking pouch, keeping keys away from doors and windows, and using a steering-wheel lock.

Other advice includes installing an aftermarket immobiliser, using a vehicle tracker, and checking vehicle settings to disable the keyless-entry function when not needed.

The police have also advised residents to install CCTV cameras overlooking driveways.

A police spokesperson said: “Please take a few minutes to review how you store your vehicle keys, particularly if you own a keyless-entry vehicle.

“If you see anyone acting suspiciously around vehicles or properties, please report it to police.

“If you believe a vehicle theft is taking place at that moment, call 999.”