Drivers have been warned which cars are most of risk of getting stolen using modern technology like relay boxes.

So, if you have one of these, experts advise taking extra care.

The list comes as sales of old-fashioned steering locks, which act as a visible deterrent to thieves, are increasing.

Research by the German Automotive Club revealed the most likely models of major manufacturers to be stolen in the UK, reports Chronicle Live.

Meanwhile West Midlands Police issued pictures of one of the first “relay crimes” to be caught on camera – where thieves can steal a car using relay boxes without needing keys.

The list of cars most at risk from theft

Audi: A3, A4, A6

BMW: 730d

Citroen: DS4 CrossBack

Ford: Galaxy, Eco-Sport

Honda: HR-V

Hyundai: Santa Fe CRDi

Kia: Optima

Lexus: RX 450h

Mazda: CX-5

Mini: Clubman

The website PetrolPrices.com, analysing the data, says thieves are using high-tech gadgets.

The site says: “A shocking 85,688 cars have been reported as stolen this year.

“That’s 30% more than the 65,783 reported in 2013, according to data collected by the RAC.

“Many of the more recent thefts are due to gangs using gadgets to gain access to vehicles, often on demand so they can be sold on.”

PetrolPrices.com says thieves have been using locking jammers and relay boxes.

“If your car is on this list, don’t panic,” the site adds.

“Keep your car key away from your front door in a metal box, metal safe, metallised signal blocking pouch, microwave, or fridge.

“Fit a tracking device to your car

“Invest in a steering wheel lock, which acts as a visible deterrent.”

Locking jammers block the signal coming from the key when the driver locks the door.

This means that the car remains unlocked, making it easy for the thieves to enter the vehicle.

Meanwhile, relay boxes scan houses for key signals. They then transmit these to another box close to the car. The result is that the car responds as though the key is unlocking it.

Putting the keys in a metal box, or in the microwave or fridge, stops the signal from the thieves’ device from getting through.