Hellenic Police issue warnings to prevent car theft and relay attacks

The Hellenic Police, specifically through the General Regional Police Directorate of Western Macedonia, has issued guidance to help vehicle owners prevent thefts and burglaries. The authorities are addressing the ongoing issue of vehicle crime and specifically warning against a sophisticated method known as ‘relay theft.’

In relay theft, criminals use two signal relay boxes to intercept and transmit the signal from a keyless entry fob, even if the key remains inside a residence. This trick fools the vehicle’s security system into believing the key is nearby, allowing the doors to unlock. To counter this, police recommend that owners of keyless entry vehicles use signal-blocking devices.

General safety recommendations from the police include never leaving vehicles unlocked, utilizing private parking whenever possible, activating all onboard security systems even when parked in private yards, and using steering wheel locks or other anti-theft devices.