Thieves steal Mercedes from driveway using gadgets

Police have released the first footage of a high-tech ‘relay’ car theft where a gang stole an expensive new car in a minute without needing its keys.

The two hooded criminals were able to override the Mercedes’ security system in the Elmdon area of Solihull, Birmingham at 9pm on September 25 and the luxury vehicle has never been recovered. 

The footage shows two men pull up outside the victim’s house, holding a relay box, which is a device used to receive signals through walls, doors and windows.

One man can be seen waving a relay box in front of property, the box receives a signal from the key inside and transmits it to the second box next to the car.

Police have released the first footage of a high-tech ‘relay’ car theft where a gang stole an expensive new car without needing its keys

Within a minute the luxury car is started, reversed off the drive and follows the gang's main car up the road near Solihull, Birmingham

Within a minute the luxury car is started, reversed off the drive and follows the gang’s main car up the road near Solihull, Birmingham

The car’s locking system is then tricked into thinking the car key is unlocking it, allowing access to the vehicle.

CCTV footage shows the men waiting briefly for the relay boxes to pick up a signal from the car’s key before its lights flash and the doors are opened.

The thieves then drive off with the Mercedes, with the whole crime only taking one minute to complete.

Mark Silvester, from the West Midlands Police crime reduction team, said: “To protect against this type of theft, owners can use an additional tested and Thatcham-approved steering lock to cover the entire steering wheel.

“We also recommend Thatcham-approved tracking solutions fitted to the vehicle.

“It is always worth speaking to your main dealer, to ensure that your car has had all the latest software updates and talk through security concerns with them.”

Sgt Tim Evans, from Solihull Police, said: “It’s important the public are reassured that we are taking proactive steps to tackle this type of crime in Solihull.

“We hope that knowledge of this type of crime will enable members of the public to take simple steps to secure their vehicle and assist us.”

Anyone with information on the Elmdon theft should call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 20SH/204842W/17.

 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk