I’m an ex-police officer… my ‘unusual key trick’ could keep your motor safe as car crime rises

A FORMER police officer has urged drivers to use an "unusual" key trick to keep their motors safe, with car crime on the rise.

Thefts hit an all-time high in 2023 according to the latest figures, partly fuelled by the misuse of new tech.

The rise of keyless ignition has led to an increased risk of relay thefts, where crooks use specialist devices to intercept and replicate the signals from key fobs.

If they manage it, it's as good as handing them the keys yourself.

With that in mind, motoring YouTuber Shahzad Shiekh sat down with former police investigator, and now an expert with advice service Claims Management and Adjusting Limited, Philip Swift to pick his brain on the best ways to keep vehicles safe.

Philip described the rapid increase in cars thefts as "staggering" and indicated that there is another hidden problem within the figures.

He said: "The recovery rate has dropped.

"Don’t simply look at how many were taken, you want to have a look at how many have been found, how many have been returned to their owners and returned in good condition."

The ex-copper urged drivers to take precautions against keyless thefts, even if they are " a little unusual".

He explained: "With vehicle theft the main claims we are seeing at the moment is key burglary. Keep the keys safe.

"Do something a little unusual, have a particular place that you keep them, in a particular vessel that is not obvious.

"You might find a biscuit tin and you want to put them in the cupboard.

"At the end of the day it’s an asset, it’s an item of property."

However, he warned them not to confront thieves and potentially put themselves in danger.

He added: "Is it really worth confrontation?

"It’s different if you’re me, 6ft 4in, ex-rugby player with a face that people get tired of hitting.

"I might, if a young person tried to take my vehicle, but why would you?"

It comes after EV owners were warned of a potential £180 fine and points on their licence due to a little-known charging error.