Gone in 60 Seconds: The Criminal Car Theft Wave 

Sunday, July 2nd, 2017
Jamie Smith

Thieves are targeting luxury cars in a new summer car theft wave, by simply holding a bag near your front door.

Using a transmitting device, criminal gangs are able to extend the signal from the keyless fob. Owners are usually targeted while they slept, with most crimes reported between 2:00 - 3:00 am.

Keyless start systems enable automatic entry & once recognised with just the press of a button the engine can be started. The fobs contain security codes and computer chips detected by the on-board car computer.  

The car computer can also be targeted directly by thieves.through the use of  an electronic device to override the security via  the on-board diagnostic port. The thieves will then take the car, park is for a few days & eventually then retrieve it to sell for parts or export to Middle-Eastern & African markets. "This is a big organisation not petty criminals. It's one or two a night."

 Midlands Police

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim:

keep your key fob inside a metal box, or even a fridge/ microwave. Yes - although, you may have a concerned partner if you fail to mention this prior. The metal blocks the signal the keyless fobs continually emit. You can also just simply turn the fobs off but most people either are unaware or forget, the thieves are using a device to extend the signal – this makes the fob appear closer than it is & the technology is easily accessible. 

Cars include:

Ford: S-Max, Focus RS & Fiestas

Keyless & key ignitions

Mercedes: c220

BMW: 740

Toyota: Prius

Volks Wagen: Golf 7 GTD

Our advice: If you drive a new & valuable car, fit with an engine immobiliser,  a tracker or even a simple visible deterrent such as a steering  lock will help deter & reduce this crime wave.