Thieves use hi-tech keyless gadget in spate of car thefts in Bishopbriggs and Bearsden

Police said over the past few weeks, six Ford vehicles of varying types - from Mondeos to Transit vans - have been stolen from driveways and outside homes.

The robbers have been using a hi-tech device to start the cars without keys and drive them away.

Across the wider Glasgow area, 13 cars have been stolen in this way over the past TWO days.

One local resident warned others on a community Facebook site.

She said: “Husband’s car got nicked from our driveway last night in Bishopbriggs.

“Just to let folk in the local area know. It’s only Fords they are stealing.”

The device may be what’s known as a “relay” gadget which works on cars with keyless entry systems.

The thieves use the gadget to capture signals emitted by certain keys - inside the house - which are used to start vehicles.

The vehicle then thinks the key is in close proximity, prompting it to open.

The thieves then drive the car away.

Police have advised local motorists to be vigilant, to put their vehicles in garages if they can, use deterrents like an old-fashioned steering wheel lock and make sure all cctv, if they have it, is working.