Car Theft Signal Jammers Lead to Five Years Prison Under New Law

New laws target criminals using signal jammers. These devices help steal cars without keys. The government will ban owning or selling them. Parliament is adding this to the Crime and Policing Bill.

People caught face up to five years in jail. They could also get an unlimited fine. The new law shifts the burden of proof.

Now, owners must show they use a signal jammer legally. Previously, you had to prove they used the jammer to be guilty.

Liberals say many car thefts go unsolved. They want more community police. They claim about 25,000 thefts went unsolved in three months. Dame Diana Johnson highlights public concern about these devices.

The Home Office reports 732,000 vehicle thefts occurred in a year. Electronic devices are a common method. Thieves use keyless repeaters and signal jammers often.

Signal manipulation caused 40% of vehicle thefts in England and Wales. London’s Metropolitan Police estimates 60% of thefts use this tech.

Jenny Sims said the tools were too easy to get. Reducing access helps police prevent theft.

Sims says these jammers aid crime only. Industry leaders support these changes. Simon Williams said the ban is very timely.

Edmund King believes tougher sentences will deter thieves. He notes thieves adapt to new vehicle tech. Relay theft and signal jamming happen a lot. These changes help police fight car crime.