Car key jammers: What you need to know

This leaves the path clear for thieves to help themselves to your belongings, and even take the car itself.

Smashing the side window is old hat

Deputy Chief Constable Matt Jukes, from the National Police Chiefs' Council, said although he believes the problem is currently small, it is a "growing feature of vehicle crime".

"The Vehicle Crime Intelligence Unit is working closely and extensively with a number of partners including the Home Office and motor manufacturers on solutions to prevent this crime now and in the future."

Loran Dover got in touch with the BBC to say it happened to her on a residential street in Leeds.

"When I got up and ready for work, I went outside to find my all car doors just placed shut.