CCTV footage has been released of two people who recently tried to gain entry to a car in Knebworth.

At around 4.45am on Wednesday, November 1, the two people walked onto a driveway in Crabtree Road.

The pair wore dark clothing and covered their faces, with one person attempting to enter the car and the other using a hooped, metal device that tries to detect, amplify and intercept the vehicle's key fob signal.

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Fortunately for the car's owner, the keys to the car were in a secure Faraday pouch which helps block the signal to the car. A spokesperson for Herts police said that this "likely assisted in keeping the vehicle protected".

PC Hugh Roper, investigating, said: “While this attempt to enter a vehicle failed and the offenders left the scene empty handed, the CCTV highlights just how brazen these criminals can be, how important it is to keep your vehicles secure and to keep keys for keyless entry cars in Faraday pouch.

“Please take a few moments to read through our advice [below] to keep your property secure and help you to avoid becoming a possible victim of crime.

“In addition, if you have any information about this incident please contact me directly by email via hugh.roper@herts.police.uk quoting 41/87343/23.”

Herts police have issued the following advice for keeping vehicles safe:

  • Lock your car whenever it is left unattended and keep it in a garage when parked at night if possible.
  • Consider fitting CCTV on your home or driveway, to help deter thieves.
  • Look for car parks with a Secured Car Park sign which have recognised levels of security. If you have a garage at home, ensure you use it and lock it properly.
  • Noisy gravel on your drive can help deter a would-be thief, as they don't want to alert you to their approach.
  • Use PIR or LED security lighting to make your vehicle more visible and this can also act as a deterrent.

They also gave some advice that is specifically for people who own cars with keyless entry:

  • When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
  • Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag.
  • Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.
  • Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.
  • Use a steering wheel lock as an extra security measure.