Man arrested and charged after spate of keyless car thefts in Aberdeen and Glasgow

A man has been arrested and charged after a spate of car thefts across Scotland.

The 23-year-old man was taken into custody on Sunday after a car was stolen in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire.

Police said he his allegedly linked with several keyless vehicle thefts across the country between February 19 and March 8.

The thefts took place in Aberdeen, Portlethen and Westhill in Aberdeenshire, and in Bearsden and East Kilbride outside Glasgow.

He was due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday.

Detective constable Beth Campbell said: “We encourage owners to review their own vehicle security and to take a few extra precautions to help prevent this type of crime.

“When you are at home, keep your car keys or fobs away from the car, don’t leave them near your doors or windows.

“The use of a signal blocking pouch, also known as a Faraday pouch, can block the transmission of the signal from the car key. You can buy these online.

“Vehicle trackers and tracking devices are also a form of additional security and can assist the recovery of stolen vehicles.”