Operation Enzone is the Police Scotland operation created to tackle the theft of high value/high performance vehicles, particularly those which use keyless entry. Criminals have developed technology which can be used to relay messages from the true car key, so they can get into and steal a vehicle quickly.

During 2023-24, Fife Division of Police Scotland observed a rise in this type of theft.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department carried out extensive local enquires and identified a number of people who were stealing vehicles, and either selling them on or breaking them for parts to sell. It’s estimated that the total value of the vehicles stolen exceeded £1 million.

In addition to the financial loss for the owners, the perpetrators often drove the stolen vehicles in a dangerous manner and at excessive speed, putting themselves and others in the community at risk.

Following significant investigation, the perpetrators were caught and subsequently sentenced. As a consequence there was a significant reduction in this type of theft across Fife.  Community safety partners continue to provide prevention advice and raise awareness of all types of acquisitive crime.