Just saw this posted on a local website by a guy that runs a big accessories shop outside Glasgow. Unfortunately, this guys pretty damn trustworthy and knows a lot of significant local car industry figures, so theres a fair chance it isnt a hoax!
"This is being kept a bit hush, hush, but personally I think this should be printed in the local press.
Strathclyde, Lothian & Borders and Central Police are currently investigating a seriously large number of thefts over the last few days of Renault Clios in the area.
It would appear a gang has found a way to break in, without damaging the locks, and bypassing the factory fitted alarm/immobiliser and drive the cars away .
Last week alone there were 112 such reported thefts of Clios, that is up from a normal case book of about 10 to 15, and this week looks like it could be about 200.
If you own a Clio, and do not have a 3rd party alarm/immobiliser then use your garage if you have one and/or use a deadlock...
This is a seriously organised gang who have acquired a list of all the Clio models that are worth stealing (Clio Williams, etc.) and the address of the Registered Keepers. This a loophole the DVLA have still not closed.
When put together with their knowledge of the Clio this is pretty awful news.
Armed with the details of the car they are looking for (VRN, and colour), and the address of the keeper, they then drive round see if its there.
If it is then walk up, unlock it, and its gone... (just as quick as you can armed with your key and keyfob!)
Hopefully the technique being used wont go outside this gang, but if it does then Insurance premiums for Clios might rise in the near future..."
