Sophisticated thieves have been targeting keyless cars in the Royal Wootton Bassett area, police say. 

A spate of 'relay thefts' in the area has now prompted Wiltshire Police to issue a warning to owners of 'high-value keyless cars'. 

A relay theft, or keyless theft, occurs when a device is used to fool the car into thinking the car’s own remote key fob is close by. This unlocks the car and allows the ignition to be started.

Three vehicles were stolen on Wednesday night using this method.

PC Wright of the Royal Wootton Bassett neighbourhood team said: “Please protect yourself and your vehicle from this kind of crime by taking a few important steps.

“Firstly, place car keys in a security/Faraday pouch when not in use. These block the transmission of the signal from the car key once inside the pouch.

“Turn off the fob’s wireless signal when not in use, and don’t leave them near your door or window.

“You can also consider installing a tracker, which will increase the chances of vehicle recovery if it is stolen, and strongly consider the use of a steering wheel lock in your vehicle as these can’t be compromised via technology."