Five-year jail term for possession of vehicle theft devices under new law

The UK government is introducing new laws to ban the possession and distribution of electronic devices used in vehicle theft, as part of efforts to make streets safer and reduce organised crime.

The move comes as figures show that sophisticated electronic tools, such as signal jammers and keyless repeaters, were used in 40% of vehicle thefts in England and Wales.

Under the new legislation, anyone found with such devices, or involved in their import, manufacture, or sale, could face up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine.

Until now, prosecution for handling these devices was only possible if police could prove they had been used in a specific crime. The new law shifts the burden of proof onto the owner, requiring them to demonstrate a legitimate use to avoid prosecution.

Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Policing, Crime and Fire Prevention, said: “These thefts have a devastating effect on victims, who need their vehicles to go about their everyday lives. We are introducing new laws focused on tackling this issue at source, preventing these devices from getting into the hands of thieves and organised crime groups.”

The crackdown forms part of the government’s flagship Crime and Policing Bill, which is set to be introduced to Parliament on Tuesday. The legislation aligns with the government’s Plan for Change and Safer Streets initiative, designed to reduce crime and protect communities.

The latest figures show that in the year ending September 2024, there were 732,000 incidents of vehicle-related theft across England and Wales.

The Metropolitan Police estimates that in London, signal jammers were used in approximately 60% of car thefts.

Industry experts and law enforcement have welcomed the new measures.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “With government statistics showing an average of 370 vehicles being stolen every day, outlawing the possession and distribution of signal jammers cannot come soon enough.”

AA president Edmund King added: “Relay theft and signal jamming is all too frequent, and these measures will give police forces more opportunities to tackle car crime.”

ACC Jenny Sims, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime, also backed the move, stating: “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.”

The new laws aim to disrupt organised crime groups, which drive much of the vehicle theft in the UK by exploiting weaknesses in security systems, even on the latest car models.

Authorities will continue to work with police forces and the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership to curb vehicle theft and improve security measures.