THIS is the moment a car was stolen outside the owner’s house in under five minutes.
A property in Hayes, West London, captured the harrowing CCTV footage of two thieves using a key cloning device to steal a BMW motor parked on the street.
TwitterIt took the thieves less than five minutes to steal the BMW[/caption]
These devices are gaining popularity among car thieves, contributing to a rise in the number of stolen cars in recent months compared to previous years, according to Statista.
In the video, two men with black masks walk past the BMW and can be seen preparing to steal it.
Within minutes, one of them gently opens the door and gets into the driver’s seat, while the other man walks to the property and appears to be on the lookout for the vehicle’s owner.
Seconds later, the man in the stolen BMW exits the vehicle and both walk back to the same spot where they can be seen acting suspiciously.
After just one minute, they are pictured walking back to the motor again.
One of the thieves covers the car’s exhaust with what appears to be hand towels.
That same individual entered the driver’s side again while the other remained on the lookout – as the BMW drives off.
There were 130,521 motor thefts in England and Wales in 2023, according to Statista.
It comes after the Police Service of Nothern Ireland showed motorists how to prevent this type of keyless car theft happening to them.
The police advised drivers to use steering locks or car alarms and make sure their motor is parked close to the house.
It comes after a special police unit announced they have either identified or recovered 700 vehicles worth £27million.
And a stash of stolen luxury cars was discovered just moments before being shipped by crooks.
How to keep your car safe
Tips from the Metroploitin Police on how to protect your vehicle from thieves.
Lock your vehicle
Locking your vehicle greatly reduces the possibility of it being targeted by an opportunity thief.
It is illegal to leave your vehicle with the engine running.
If your car is stolen while it’s left like this your insurer won’t pay out because you won’t be covered.
Keep the keys safe
Keep your keys out of view when at home.
It’s not uncommon for car keys to be stolen from inside your home by thieves fishing for them with a stick.
If you’re selling your car do not allow the keys out of your sight, thieves can clone them and use them later to steal your vehicle.
How to protect your keyless entry car
When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.
Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.
Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second-hand car.
Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it’s not being used.
Be aware of carjackers
In traffic, drive with the doors locked and leave enough space in front of you to enable you to get out of a tight spot.
If your vehicle is bumped from behind, wait to pull over – somewhere safe and preferably where there are people.
If you’re at all suspicious, consider calling the police.
Park responsibly
It’s always advisable to avoid parking in dark and secluded areas.
It’s worth an extra five or ten-minute walk if it means your vehicle is left on a well-lit and busier street.
Watch for illegal tow trucks
Thieves often attempt to lift vehicles from the street, literally.
If you see a towaway crew acting suspiciously then report it to the police.
Fit good in-car security locks
install measures to prevent thieves from driving off with your car even if they were able to get into the vehicle.
It’s also worth speaking to your vehicle dealership about installing an aftermarket immobiliser.
Immobilisers prevent a vehicle from starting unless the correct fob, key or activation process is used.
Double-check electronic locking
Electronic devices can be used to jam the electronic signal from your key fob to lock your vehicle.
Always manually check your vehicle has locked before walking away.
Before owning, check for cloning
Changing the identity of a vehicle, known as vehicle cloning, can be as simple as adding stolen number plates.
When buying a vehicle, always check the DVLA V5 document and make sure the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the vehicle is the same as on the document.
Secure your port
Many modern vehicles are fitted with engine management diagnostic ports, which can unlock and start your vehicle.
If your vehicle has this type of port, consider fitting a lockable cover.