A tech-savvy thief stole a car by bypassing its keyless security system.

Yesterday at 2.28am, the criminal made off with the BMW in Mortimer Crescent, St Albans.

The car's owner ran after the vehicle, which was later recovered in a nearby street by police.

A similar method was used on another BMW in How Wood, Park Street, the day before.

There has been a spate of crimes involving keyless cars.

According to police, Range Rovers were also targeted in St Albans over the past six weeks.

St Albans Detective Sergeant Jon Green said: “Thieves are stealing high-value keyless cars. Make sure yours is not the next one to be targeted.

“Car criminals are bypassing technology and stealing high-value cars.

“The best advice we can give you to deter these criminals is to make your expensive car as unattractive as possible.”

Police have issued the following advice:

• Keep your car key fob away from your front door/porch so they cannot pick up a signal

• Invest in a Faraday bag pouch so your keys cannot be activated, these can be purchased online for under £5

• Invest in an anti-theft device like a crook lock (or steering wheel lock) or use wheel clamps.

• Park in a garage overnight.”