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Hello Resident "Check Your Fob Has Done Its Job" West Midlands Police (WMP) issue this reminder because thieves often use electronic jammers to block the signal between your key fob and the car. You might press the "lock" button and walk away, but the car remains unlocked and the alarm unset. The Golden Rule: "Don't just click and walk away. Physically pull the door handle to ensure the car is actually locked." Why This is Happening Signal Jammers: Thieves sit nearby in a van or car with a device that "drowns out" your fob's frequency.Visual Cues: Police advise you to look for your hazard lights flashing or your wing mirrors folding in. If they don't move, your car isn't locked.Convenience Hazards: Many modern cars unlock automatically when you are near. If you don't check the handle after walking a few steps away, you might leave it open for a "door-pulling" thief.Layering Up in Your Area Beyond checking the fob, WMP recommends these additional layers for Tipton and Wednesfield residents: The "Faraday" Layer: Store your keys in a signal-blocking pouch (Faraday bag) as soon as you get home to prevent "Relay Theft" The "Visual" Layer: Use a steering wheel lock. Even if a thief bypasses your fob or electronic locks, they cannot drive the car away.The "Driveway" Layer: If you have a second car, park the "non-keyless" or less valuable car behind the more expensive one to block it in.Pro-Tip: Check your OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port. Police suggest fitting an OBD lock to stop thieves from plugging in a computer and programming a new key in seconds. The Message: "Don’t Just Click and Walk" West Midlands Police are highlighting that thieves in Wednesfield often sit in nearby vehicles using jammers to block your key fob's signal. You may hear the "click" or see the lights flash, but the doors remain unlocked. Action to take: The Physical Check: Always pull the door handle to confirm it is locked before walking away.Watch the Mirrors: If your car has power-folding mirrors, ensure they have fully folded in. Thieves in the area specifically look for "mirrors out" as a sign of an unlocked car.The Faraday Layer: Once inside your home, place your keys in a Faraday pouch or a tin box. This stops thieves from "grabbing" your signal from outside your front door to start the engine. Local Hotspots & Advice Police patrols have been increased around Bentley Bridge Retail Park and residential streets in Heath Town, where shoppers and commuters are often targeted. Layering up in WV11: Steering Wheel Lock: Even if they bypass your fob, a physical lock like a Disklok or Stoplock stops them from driving away.Driveway Security: If you have a two-car Thornton or Wednesfield driveway, park the older/non-keyless car behind the more expensive one to block it in.Lighting: Ensure your driveway is well-lit with motion-sensor LEDs to deter "door-handle flickers" at night. Thank you | 
