Man arrested and charged following keyless car theft

A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the theft of a car in Portlethen on Sunday, 8 March.

He has also been reported in connection with other keyless vehicle thefts in the north east, South Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire.

The thefts happened between Thursday, 19 February, and Sunday, 8 March in Aberdeen, Portlethen and Westhill in Aberdeenshire, in Bearsden and East Kilbride.

The man was due to appear at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Monday, 9 March, 2026.

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.

"Anyone with information about this kind of crime can contact us on 101, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

More information on preventing vehicle theft can be found on the Police Scotland website: https://www.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/