Thieves stealing Ford cars using cloning devices

Police say there has been an increase in the number of thefts of cars in the district over recent weeks, especially Ford Focus and Fiesta models made between 2010-2012.

Two incidents of thefts highlighted by police are a white Ford Focus, registration SW10 VUH, stolen from a car garage forecourt in Glasgow Road, Camelon overnight between April 5 and 6, while a blue Fiesta ST, registration S21 DWY, was taken from Gartcows Road, Falkirk on April 6 at around 1.50am.

Officers believe the vehicles are being targeted through the On Board Diagnostic equipment, which thieves armed with cloning devices can override.

Police Scotland has been alerted to the devices and is deploying resources to actively prevent recurrences of this type of theft.

Local officers are warning owners of these Ford models to take precautions.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We appeal to the public to take reasonable precautions to protect your vehicles by considering where you park your vehicle when not in use.

“Make use of secure garages or position your other vehicles so as to prevent easy access, consider fitting steering wheel locks and other after-market security devices.

“If you are concerned about the vulnerability of your vehicle or have seen persons acting suspiciously in or around your vehicle or any other vehicle please contact 101. Be vigilant and report anything you consider suspicious.”

Anyone with information about the thefts is asked to call police on 101.