Drivers have been warned to take extra precautions when locking their vehicles following a rise in thefts of keyless cars.

The crime, which involves exploiting the keyless entry and start systems to get into the car and drive it away, is increasing particularly in the Banbury and Bicester areas.

Thames Valley Police warned to drivers to make sure they always lock the car even if you’re only going to be away from it for a moment.

If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly.

Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.

Close windows and the sun roof to prevent ‘fishing’ for items through the gap by hand or with, say, a bent coat hanger.

Secure your number plates with tamper-resistant screws so they can't be stolen and fit locking, anti-tamper wheel nuts to secure alloy wheels.

Secure anything that’s on the outside of your vehicle including anything left on roof-racks, tailgate racks, holiday top boxes or in tool chests.