Motorists have been warned that they could face up to five years in prison under a new driving law that will be introduced in Parliament this week.
The Crime and Policing Bill will make it illegal to be in possession of electronic devices such as signal jammers, which are commonly used in vehicle thefts.
Under the new rules, drivers found in possession of these devices will face a maximum prison sentence of five years and unlimited fines.
The legislation will also target individuals involved in importing, manufacturing, adapting, or distributing the jamming equipment.
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Every four out of 10 vehicle thefts have involved a signal jammer
PA
Signal jammers work by blocking remote locks, enabling thieves to gain access to vehicles without requiring a key. The new law marks a significant shift from current legislation, which only allows prosecution when there is evidence the devices have been used in criminal activity.
The need for tighter rules comes after police forces revealed that these devices are used in four out of every 10 vehicle thefts across England and Wales, with the figure rising to 60 per cent in London. Home Office figures showed there were 732,000 incidents of vehicle-related theft in the year ending September 2024.
Meanwhile, a recent Crime Survey for England and Wales confirmed that signal manipulation was involved in 40 per cent of vehicle thefts nationwide.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday live. We are aware of the real concerns people feel with the use of these electronic devices being so prolific.”
The National Police Chief’s Council welcomed the announcement, with vehicle crime lead Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Simms highlighting how these devices serve no legitimate purpose.
She said: “These devices have no legitimate purpose, apart from assisting in criminal activity, and reducing their availability will support policing and industry in preventing vehicle theft which is damaging to both individuals and businesses.”
Meanwhile, a recent Crime Survey for England and Wales confirmed that signal manipulation was involved in 40 per cent of vehicle thefts nationwide.
The legislation comes as part of a broader Government effort to tackle organised crime groups who exploit vulnerabilities in vehicle security systems.
The flagship Crime and Policing Bill will be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday, marking a significant shift in how vehicle theft is prosecuted.
The legislation aims to protect motorists who increasingly rely on keyless technology for their vehicles.
Police explained a significant proportion of vehicle theft is driven by these criminal networks, who constantly seek new ways to overcome security measures.
Motoring groups have called on car manufacturers to increase their efforts in making vehicles more secure.
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The move has garnered support from across the automotive industry, with both law enforcement and motoring organisations backing the tougher approach to vehicle crime.
The new law represents a significant shift in tackling vehicle crime, with police forces now able to arrest those possessing signal jammers without proving criminal intent. The devices can be purchased for as little as £250, making them easily accessible to criminals.
