A FATHER has urged people to take care after his car was targeted by thieves twice in one night, exploiting the vehicle's keyless entry system.

Haseeb Arslan, 24, was sat in his front room on Saturday in Hollinbank Lane, Heckmondwike, when the thieves struck just yards away on his drive.

The Bradford-based estate agent had left his key fob for his Volkswagen CC where he always kept it, downstairs on a side table, when he got home at around 10pm.

It was not until the next morning he realised thieves had broken into his car and stolen cash, his work phone, a jacket and other items from the vehicle.

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A quick check of his CCTV showed a man in a hooded top approach the car holding a device which he used to clone the key fob’s signal, giving him access to the car.

He took cash - rent collected by Mr Arslan - and a mobile phone, before returning later with a woman and repeating the trick, this time taking a jacket and aftershave.

Mr Arslan said the incident has left him and his family shaken and “terrified” it might happen again.

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He said: “I didn’t know it was happening and I was sat downstairs all the time.

“I checked my CCTV and saw them going to other people’s houses too.

“My family are all terrified by what happened and are worried it could happen again.

“We are upset and scared about this.

“I have ordered a box to put my key in to block the signal and changed the locks on my house.

“I want people to be aware of this, it could happen to anybody.”

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: “At around 7:40am on Sunday, July 7, police received reports of a theft from a silver Volkswagen CC on Hollinbank Lane in Heckmondwike.

“A phone and an amount of money was taken during the incident. CCTV enquiries reveal a man and a woman wearing hooded tops.

“Any witnesses or anyone with information as to those responsible is asked to contact the non-emergency number 101 or the live chat facility via the Force website.

“Alternatively call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Police advice on making a vehicle less lucrative to thieves include never leaving items of value in the car, and not leaving work or business related equipment in a vehicle, especially when it is left unoccupied overnight.

The RAC recommends investing in a key fob blocker - also known as Faraday bags - which are fairly inexpensive.

Mark Godfrey, RAC Insurance director added: “Drivers with keyless systems can take precautions to prevent their vehicles being stolen including storing their keys in protective cases so the signal can’t be cloned, or even switching off the keyless feature on the fob if it is an option.

“And try to avoid storing your keys by the front door – it may not be fail-safe but get into the habit of leaving your keys well away from your vehicle, such as at the back of the house.”