Vehicle Crime Alert!

Overnight between June 27th and 28th, Bexley Borough suffered three vehicle thefts and an attempted theft. In these incidents, thieves are believed to have used relay devices. This method involves holding a signal extension device near the house to amplify the key fob's signal, tricking the car into unlocking. Once inside, they can use a device plugged into the OBD port (near the steering wheel) to reprogram a new key within seconds.

While the number of Japanese/Korean car thefts is rising (targeting Kia, Lexus, Hyundai, and Nissan), last night's events highlight that relay devices are still used in Bexley to steal vehicles like Mercedes, BMW, and older Range Rovers from driveways.

Here are some ways to prevent vehicle theft (the more layers you use, the better):

• Full-face steering lock (e.g., Disklok). Use code MPDSK24 for a 15% discount at https://disklokuk.co.uk/.
• OBD port lock (a good, affordable option)
• Immobiliser (e.g., the Ghost2)
• Faraday box or pouch (check pouches regularly for wear)
• Steering Wheel and BC (Brake/Clutch) lock (10% discount for online only at https://www.milenco-outlet.co.uk/ with code BEXLEY1)
• Wheel clamp (10% discount for online only at https://www.milenco-outlet.co.uk/ with code BEXLEY1)
• Tracking device (e.g., Apple AirTags) - a cheap way to increase the chance of police finding your stolen vehicle.

Bexley's Neighbourhood Police Teams prioritise tackling violence, shoplifting, and vehicle crime.

Please share this information with your family and friends.

Source: Nextdoor

Bexley Police

Smart Tags & trackers: A Helpful Guide for Keeping Track of Your Belongings including pets!

Smart tags are small, Bluetooth-enabled devices that can be attached to items you're prone to losing, such as your keys, wallet, or phone. When you lose one of your items, you can use your smartphone to make the smart tag ring, making it easy to find. Smart tags also use a network of other smart tags and smartphones to help you track down your lost items, even if they're out of Bluetooth range.

There are a number of different smart tags on the market, including the Samsung Galaxy SmartTag, the Apple AirTag, and the Tile Mate. Each of these smart tags has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to do your research before deciding which one is right for you, including some youtube comparison videos.

Here is a brief review of some of the most popular smart tags:

• Samsung Galaxy SmartTag: The Galaxy SmartTag is a small, round device that's easy to attach to your keys or other belongings. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, and it has a built-in speaker so you can make it ring if you lose it. The Galaxy SmartTag is also water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about it getting wet.
• Apple AirTag: The AirTag is a small, circular device that's similar in size and shape to the Galaxy SmartTag. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your iPhone, and it has a built-in speaker so you can make it ring if you lose it. The AirTag also has a U1 chip, which allows your iPhone to more accurately track the location of the AirTag.
• Tile Mate: The Tile Mate is a small, square device that's similar in size and shape to the Galaxy SmartTag and the AirTag. It uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, and it has a built-in speaker so you can make it ring if you lose it. The Tile Mate also has a replaceable battery, so you don't have to worry about it running out of power.

Ultimately, the best smart tag for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a small, affordable smart tag that's easy to use, the Tile Mate is a good option. If you're an iPhone user and you want a smart tag with a U1 chip for more accurate tracking, the AirTag is a good choice. And if you're a Samsung user and you want a smart tag that's compatible with your Galaxy ecosystem, the Galaxy SmartTag is a good option.

Here are some of the pros and cons of smart tags:

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Affordable
• Can help you find lost items
• Can be used to track pets
• Can be used to control smart home devices

Cons:

• Range can be limited
• Battery life can be short
• Can be easily lost themselves
• Not compatible with all smartphones

Overall, smart tags are a great way to help you keep track of your belongings. They're easy to use, affordable, and can help you find lost items quickly and easily. If you're prone to losing your keys, wallet, or phone, a smart tag is a great investment.

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