Watch as brazen car thieves use bizarre techniques to steal cars from driveways in the middle of the night

BRAZEN thieves are using a bizarre technique to steal cars from driveways in the middle of the night.

Footage shows thugs brandishing a ‘relay device’ outside a house in a Birmingham suburb just before midnight on October 23.

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A thief brandishing a ‘relay device’ in a driveway in Sutton Coldfield

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The device is used for keyless car thefts

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Thieves made off with one car

One thief stood near the house and held a wire above his head with both hands.

The wire was connected to a device that the thief had inserted into the front of his body.

His accomplice was standing by the car, ready to jump in if it opened.

But the owner of the Hyundai Tucson, Debbie Sofroniou, had her car keys safely stored in a Faraday bag.

This prevented the relay device from amplifying the signal between the keys and the car.

Debbie said the thieves tried to steal three cars along the street in one hour, successfully making off.

She told me Birmingham Post: “A gentleman came this morning and he has footage of them trying to get into his car.

“He said he didn’t sleep at all the rest of the night. They seem to be trying everywhere in this area.”

Debbie added: ‘They tried everything they could in an hour.’

The footage shows an attempted keyless theft, with crooks using a ‘relay box’ to trick a car into thinking the key is nearby.

To prevent keyless theft, drivers must use a Thatcham approved steering wheel lock that covers the entire steering wheel.

Check with your dealer to ensure your vehicle has the latest software updates and security technology.

West Midlands Police said: “We are investigating several incidents of attempted car theft in the Streetly area.

“We are looking at camera images and doorbell images to identify the perpetrators involved.”

If you have any information or images that could assist police, please call 101 quoting crime reference number 20/948332/24.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

This is how you protect your car against ‘keyless theft’

HERE are some ways to protect your vehicle from relay theft:

• Keep your keys out of sight and away from your front door and mailbox. You can store them in a signal blocking pouch, such as a Faraday bag.
• A steering lock or wheel clamp can act as a physical barrier, making it more difficult for thieves to drive away.
• Consider installing a tracking device. The tracker can send an alert if your car has been broken into and can also help police find the car if it has been stolen.
• A doorbell camera or security camera can deter criminals and provide evidence if a crime occurs.
• Park your car in well-lit areas and avoid leaving it in secluded areas, especially at night. If you don’t have a garage, park your car close to home.
• Check for software updates. Many cars have over-the-air updates with new security measures.
• Make sure your car is locked. Always manually check that your car is locked before you walk away.

Source: West Midlands Police