Crime Trend. Pick up trucks targeted for theft. Reminder to protect yourselves against keyless car theft.

This is a quick message to make you all aware of further theft of Pickup Truck stolen from outside owners address close to West Yorkshire Border. 

The vehicle, a black Mercedes X Class pick up truck was stolen overnight 10th / 11th September 2026 from the owners driveway from the Langbar area. The car featured a keyless entry system and was stolen without keys. The offenders gained access to the car by scanning and capturing the wireless key signal immitted from the keys kept in the house. Meaning the offenders had no need to enter the victims property to obtain keys to steal the car. 

The value of this theft is estimated at around £20,000. 

A £10 faraday bag (a simple bag that blocks the wireless signal from the key) could have prevented this theft from happening. The signal from these keys is strong enough to pass through walls, doors and glass windows. So without the bag, your car is not safe.  

This message is an appeal for every person to check their car keys. If your car has a keyless entry system, then please take your time to purchase a faraday bag (or similar storage system) that can block the keys signal. They are inexpensive (£10) and readily available online. Remember, if you can unlock your car from within your house, the offenders can capture your key and steal your car. Please take the time to protect yourselves and prevent this from happening. 

Thankyou

PC1893 Mike Spittlehouse

Harrogate Outer Safer Neighbourhood Team 

North Yorkshire Police