POLICE in the Scottish Borders say that they have received a report of two men acting suspiciously near to a car in Selkirk around 1:30 am this morning. (Friday 20 August)

The men appeared to be using a tablet and it is believed they were scanning the car with the aim of overcoming the electronic key system.

This is known as Relay Theft. Vehicles fitted with a smart or passive key are susceptible to relay theft. This key system allows you to gain entry and start your vehicle without the need to interact with your vehicle’s key.

Police say that criminals use specialist equipment that has the ability to grab the signal from the car to the smart key so that it appears to the car that the key is present. Vehicles are most vulnerable overnight, particularly if parked on a driveway or directly outside a home.

Officers have now issued advice to the public on social media which said: “When not in use, either at home or when out and about, store your keys (including spare keys!) in a security pouch.

"Security pouches are sometimes termed Faraday bags or signal blockers/shields and there are many security rated versions on the market."

“These will prevent the signal from your vehicle being captured using electronic devices, do not store keys near windows or doors and keep updated with latest software:

"Many manufacturers now update their in-car security systems to stay ahead of these attacks.”