Car thieves target Galway with electronic lock jammers

Thieves are using sophisticated electronic equipment – which block the locking signal from key fobs – to steal cars in Galway.

Gardaí have issued a warning that the ‘jammers’ are in use here – when the ‘lock’ button is pressed on the key fob, the signal is blocked, leaving the car unlocked. And they are expecting an increase in theft from cars as we move towards the Christmas shopping season.

Sergeant Pat Flanagan, Crime Prevention Officer at Galway Garda Station said: “These blockers are being used here and we’re seeing them more frequently. They are used to steal cars and to steal belongings from cars.”

If the car is unlocked, thieves can access its on-board computer to ‘code’ a blank key to start the ignition in a matter of minutes.

“To be 100% sure, always check the handle manually to ensure your car has been locked after you press the button on the fob. At the very least, check that the hazard lights flash to acknowledge the car received the signal to lock the doors.

“The equipment used by the thieves basically blocks the signal between the key fob and the car.

“Coming up to Christmas, we will see more and more criminals coming to steal from cars,” said Sgt Flanagan.

He also warned of opportunist thieves who steal from unlocked cars, or take cars where engines have been left running.

“Never leave the car with the engine running, even for a short period of time to pop into the house or the shop. It is utterly careless, and if it is stolen, there may be consequences when it comes to insurance companies not paying out.

“Also, as we head towards colder weather, we would advise motorists not to leave their car unattended in the driveway with the engine running to defrost the windows.

“If criminals get away with one or two cars in Galway, they’ll come back for more.

“Do not take a chance in leaving your vehicle running and unattended even for a short space of time, avoid leaving property in the car. If you have property in the car, put it out of sight and always lock your car,” he said.