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Car theft victim describes disruption after Range Rover stolen from driveway
Overview
Home Office data reveals that West and South Yorkshire are among the worst areas for car thefts in England and Wales. A woman named Charlotte Walker spoke out after her Range Rover was stolen from her driveway using suspected keyless relay theft methods, leaving her family feeling unsafe and disrupted. Police forces in the region are advising owners to use signal-blocking containers and additional security measures.
Key points
- South Yorkshire ranked third and West Yorkshire ranked fifth among police forces with the highest vehicle theft rates in England and Wales.
- Charlotte Walker's Range Rover was stolen from her driveway in Upton, West Yorkshire, after thieves reportedly used a signal-blocking device and keyless entry exploit.
- Between April 2025 and April 2026, West Yorkshire recorded 5,789 car thefts, while South Yorkshire recorded 4,453.
- Former police officer Ben Pearson noted that modern car crime relies heavily on electronics rather than traditional break-in methods.
- West Yorkshire Police recommend storing keys in Faraday pouches and using extra security like steering wheel locks, while South Yorkshire Police report a recent 8.4% reduction in motor vehicle thefts since August 2024.