CAR THEFTS have increased across the area, possibly due to an increase in keyless cars.

Across the Thames Valley, 2,900 vehicles were stolen between April 2017 and March 2018, an increase of 22 per cent over the previous year, when 2,375 were recorded.

There were also 117 cases of aggravated robbery - for driving the stolen vehicle dangerously on the road or causing an accident.

Nationally, car thefts have risen by 40 per cent over the last five years, which is likely related to an increase in keyless cars. Car thieves have found it easier to gain entry to the cars by using equipment that mimics the signal emitted by the owner's key fob. However, in 43 per cent of cases nationally, the thieves gained access to the car by simply opening an unlocked door.

A spokesman from the Association of British Insurers said: "The theft risk will be one of many factors taken into account by insurers when assessing the price of your motor insurance policy.

"In recent years the average cost of motor insurance has been rising – in 2017, the average motor premium paid rose by 9% on 2016 to a record high."

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: "Manufacturers are investing billions in ever more sophisticated security features and software updates on an ongoing basis.

"However, we continue to call for action to stop the open sale of equipment which helps criminals steal cars – equipment which has no legal purpose – and have written to the Home Secretary seeking a meeting to agree how this can be addressed.”