CCTV footage has emerged showing two thieves committing a "relay crime" - where thieves are able to steal cars without keys or breaking in.
The two men are shown to pull up outside a home in the West Midlands and casually walk up to a parked Mercedes. They are seen to be holding two devices, one that is designed to receive a signal from the car key inside the property and the other which is next to the car, acting as the transmitter.
Within as little as one minute the thieves successfully trick the car into thinking the key is present, opening the door and calmly driving off with the vehicle. It is the first time this type of crime has been caught on CCTV.
West Midlands Police say that drivers should take extra precautions by using: "an additional tested and Thatcham-approved steering lock to cover the entire steering wheel."
They also hope to bring further awareness to this type of crime; they said: "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.
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."
Watch the video here:
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