The warning comes from TRACKER, which is highlighting the rising numbers of vehicles being stolen in this way as many vehicle manufacturers now adopt keyless technology.

The stolen vehicle recovery specialist says that Jaguar Land Rover is the latest manufacturer to boost its vehicle security to tackle the problem, with Range Rover Evoques and Sports particularly vulnerable. In 2014 a total of 99 Land Rovers and Range Rovers were stolen and recovered by TRACKER. Of those, 72 were taken without the owner’s keys. 

Andy Barrs, police liaison officer for TRACKER, said: ‘Keyless car theft is prolific in some areas of the UK. Police in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea have been instructed to stop all drivers of Range Rovers to check they own the vehicle because of the number of the cars being stolen using “keyless” entry methods. This clearly demonstrates that it is still a huge issue.

‘The problem is not just confined to Range Rovers though but extends to a broad range of other premium cars including BMW, Audi, Mercedes and VW, although the current theft trend is luxury 4x4s. And you don’t even need the full car entry kit; devices that override the ignition system can be bought online for as little as £20.

‘The equipment being used to steal a vehicle in this way is legitimately used by workshops to carry out routine maintenance, therefore the challenge remains, how to stop these devices ending up in the wrong hands. One step motorists can take is investing in a tracking unit. This can significantly increase the chances of a stolen car being returned to its rightful owner, and TRACKER devices come with a motion sensor that’s triggered to alert the TRACKER control centre even if the engine isn’t started,’ concluded Barrs.