Bug sweeper devices used by thieves

Bug sweepers are being used by thieves around Maidenhead to tap-up cars hiding expensive electrical equipment.

The detectors, which can cost as little as £10 from high street electrical shops, have been used on vehicles by opportunist thieves to see if there is anything worth stealing.

Some can detect laptop computers, mobile phones and cameras within five metres and can be as small as a lipstick holder. Other devices, which can be attached to a key ring, can detect WiFi internet signals which could locate laptops up to 500ft away.

Bridget Gibson, 41, of Burnham, thinks someone used a device to see if there were any electrical goods in her car.
"I was getting distracted by the kids and just forgot to take the laptop out. No-one could see it and the parcel shelf was in but they smashed the back screen and stole it."

A police officer based in the Maidenhead area told the Advertiser the devices were not common though he knew of several people arrested across the Thames Valley area found holding them.
He added: "The best advice is not to leave anything at all in your vehicle."