A vehicle was taken from a small community in the Cotswolds during the night in an incident police believe involved sophisticated electronic techniques.

The displacement occurred in Bruern, situated along the River Evenlode in the Chipping Norton vicinity, sometime between Sunday 23 August and Monday 24 August.

Officers from Thames Valley Police are examining the scene and have determined that the method employed matches what is commonly referred to as a relay attack.

This technique enables criminals to gain access to and operate vehicles without physically obtaining the original keys.

The process involves capturing electromagnetic signals emitted by keyless entry systems located inside residences.

One individual positions themselves close to the property with equipment capable of receiving this signal, while a second person remains near the target vehicle with a device programmed to transmit that captured information.

This causes the automobile to recognise the key as being present, thereby disengaging locks and permitting the engine to start.

Through this approach, offenders can enter and drive away without ever possessing the authentic key fob.

Security recommendations have now been published by Thames Valley Police for owners of vehicles equipped with keyless functionality.

Protective measures suggested include storing key fobs within containers designed to block radio frequencies, positioning keys away from exterior walls and window frames, employing physical deterrents such as steering wheel clamps, fitting tracking devices to vehicles, deactivating keyless ignition features when not required, and implementing multiple layers of protection including external surveillance camera systems.

A force representative stated that residents should carefully examine how they currently store their vehicle keys, with particular attention given to those possessing keyless entry capability.

Any individuals observed behaving unusually in proximity to cars or buildings should be reported to police.

Where a theft appears to be underway at that precise moment, the emergency number should be used.