Keyless entry ‘clone’ alert

Thieves are using sophisticated electronic ‘bugs’ to gain entry to stationary cars. The technology hones in on signals sent out by remote central locking systems and enables the criminals to copy the unique codes required to unlock the car.

It’s thought that owners of vehicles with keyless entry are particularly at risk – after one unlucky motorist, Susan Franks from north London, caught crooks on CCTV entering her BMW with apparent ease.

Police believe the bugs were left in bushes near Susan’s home in order to pick up the signals of nearby cars. When they returned, they replayed the signal, which opened the car’s doors. Officers are investigating  – but worryingly, even Susan’s local BMW franchised main dealer claims that, at present, nothing can be done to stop such signal cloning.

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