Warning as more cars vanish from driveways at East Dunbartonshire

More cars have been mysteriously disappearing from driveways in Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch.

It is believed car thieves have been targeting specific vehicles using a hi-tech device to start the vehicle without keys and drive them away.

Certain cars appear to be susceptible. In the latest incidents, between July 13 and July 18, four Ford cars were swiped at Hawthorn Avenue and Gannochy Drive, Bishopbriggs, and Newdykes Road, Kirkintilloch.

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At the beginning of July, police said six Ford vehicles of varying types - from Mondeos to Transit vans - had been stolen from driveways and outside homes over the course of a few 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.

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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.