Sun, 23 Feb 2025

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 Electronic devices used for car thefts set to be banned

The, including so-called signal jammers, are thought to play a part in four out of 10 vehicle thefts.

* New laws in England and Wales will ban sophisticated electronic devices used by criminals to steal cars.
* Over 700,000 vehicles were broken into last year, often with the help of high-tech devices such as signal jammers.
* Signal jammers can scramble signals from remote key fobs, allowing thieves to unlock cars.
* The new laws will place the onus on device owners to prove they have a legitimate reason for possessing them.
* Making or selling a signal jammer could lead to up to 5 years in prison or an unlimited fine.
* Keyless repeaters and signal amplifiers are also banned under the new laws.
* Motoring groups welcome the move, saying it will make thieves think twice about stealing cars.
* The National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) also welcomed the announcement, saying the devices have "no legitimate purpose" apart from assisting in criminal activity.
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