In the early hours of this morning, whilst my wife was feeding our baby, having been up to one of the other kids, bedroom felt a little warm and opened one of the windows a little wider.
A while later, as we were all trying to get back off to sleep, I briefly heard what sounded like music being played from a phone somewhere outside (possibly further down our road). It stopped and thought little more of it, assuming it was someone random/kids possibly walking past on their phone etc.
A minute or two later, I noticed our security lighting had come on and off, then back on again. I knew pretty much that someone was outside and went to take a look as to what it might be.
Saw a guy outside next to our GL and in a split second I knew what was happening. Hood up, bandana/scarf over his face, and he was trying the driver’s door handle and then I saw a quick flash of some LEDs. As he went to try the rear door I was already calling 999. Passed information on as I was chucking some clothes on and trainers. Guy must have got spooked and perhaps knew I’d seen him, as well as his failed attempt and he started to walk off down the road.
Wife was awake and now knew what was going on. She had seen a second guy with a backpack on backwards (around his waist) who had been trying to pull signal from close to the house/front door etc.
I won’t go into specifics, but suffice to say they weren’t getting this one, this time. I have almost been waiting for this to happen. And have taken plenty of reasonable precautions.
The operator on the 999 call kept repeating to me *not* to go outside, not to follow them, to keep the door locked etc. They said four cars were on their way and would be looking for them. I was already dressed and was 50:50 on whether to try and at least catch a glimpse of where they headed (after they were out of sight from the house) what car they got into/car waiting etc. As much as I hate to say it, I think on reflection I probably did the right thing not going after them. I feel a bit annoyed that they will probably not be caught though. But as always, your safety and that of your family is always far more important than any car. They weren’t getting the car anyways, and they had something on me - they know where I live...
A few key points:
1) They did not arrive in a car. They must have had a car parked a road or two away or were quite likely dropped off by a third person. I reckon they did this (arrived on foot) a) to avoid their vehicle being picked up on CCTV and b) perhaps in an attempt to be discreet, arriving silently.
2) The music I heard. Seems a bit stupid to have music playing, and considering these looked like professional, organised thieves who operated otherwise in total silence I reckon it was a ring tone on one of their phones or they accidentally pressed something on one of their phones. I reckon it could have been a third person who dropped the two off and they might have been checking on them to see if they were okay/had got the target etc. Just a thought.
3) They came for the car. This was no opportunistic theft. They had all the gear with them. I guess there’s a small chance they passed it shortly before the attempt but I reckon it’s most likely they knew what they wanted. I reckon they wouldn’t have wanted to be driving around casually at night with this sort of gear on them during the early hours any more than necessary. I am confident they are part of an organised crime gang/group, stealing heavy metal like this to order (or there abouts). High value prestige/sports/luxury cars, you would have to have everything arranged to move this on if you took it.
I have taken further precautions but I also accept that I have done as much as I can. Whether or not they will return for a further attempt I just cannot say. Likewise another separate attempt could be made by someone else.
I *STRONGLY* advise you research keyless relay theft. If you have a car that could be affected, make sure to take precautions you are comfortable with. Had I not, my car would already be gone.
I am obviously pleased it hasn’t, no one has been hurt, car is fine etc.
I think it’s quite unique in my situation that I actually saw the attempted theft in person with my own eyes. Most people would only ever know that they have been subject to a keyless theft attempt if their car had been taken. A failed attempt leaves no sign of entry, no damage to the car. Most people would just get in and drive off and be none the wiser. These thieves tend to operate in residential areas in the middle of the night hence most people are asleep. I was lucky to be awake at the time.
We see keyless theft mentioned on these forums, usually when it’s too late. At best you get a grainy video clip as the car is being taken. Do what you can to protect your property! Prevention is key.
A while later, as we were all trying to get back off to sleep, I briefly heard what sounded like music being played from a phone somewhere outside (possibly further down our road). It stopped and thought little more of it, assuming it was someone random/kids possibly walking past on their phone etc.
A minute or two later, I noticed our security lighting had come on and off, then back on again. I knew pretty much that someone was outside and went to take a look as to what it might be.
Saw a guy outside next to our GL and in a split second I knew what was happening. Hood up, bandana/scarf over his face, and he was trying the driver’s door handle and then I saw a quick flash of some LEDs. As he went to try the rear door I was already calling 999. Passed information on as I was chucking some clothes on and trainers. Guy must have got spooked and perhaps knew I’d seen him, as well as his failed attempt and he started to walk off down the road.
Wife was awake and now knew what was going on. She had seen a second guy with a backpack on backwards (around his waist) who had been trying to pull signal from close to the house/front door etc.
I won’t go into specifics, but suffice to say they weren’t getting this one, this time. I have almost been waiting for this to happen. And have taken plenty of reasonable precautions.
The operator on the 999 call kept repeating to me *not* to go outside, not to follow them, to keep the door locked etc. They said four cars were on their way and would be looking for them. I was already dressed and was 50:50 on whether to try and at least catch a glimpse of where they headed (after they were out of sight from the house) what car they got into/car waiting etc. As much as I hate to say it, I think on reflection I probably did the right thing not going after them. I feel a bit annoyed that they will probably not be caught though. But as always, your safety and that of your family is always far more important than any car. They weren’t getting the car anyways, and they had something on me - they know where I live...
A few key points:
1) They did not arrive in a car. They must have had a car parked a road or two away or were quite likely dropped off by a third person. I reckon they did this (arrived on foot) a) to avoid their vehicle being picked up on CCTV and b) perhaps in an attempt to be discreet, arriving silently.
2) The music I heard. Seems a bit stupid to have music playing, and considering these looked like professional, organised thieves who operated otherwise in total silence I reckon it was a ring tone on one of their phones or they accidentally pressed something on one of their phones. I reckon it could have been a third person who dropped the two off and they might have been checking on them to see if they were okay/had got the target etc. Just a thought.
3) They came for the car. This was no opportunistic theft. They had all the gear with them. I guess there’s a small chance they passed it shortly before the attempt but I reckon it’s most likely they knew what they wanted. I reckon they wouldn’t have wanted to be driving around casually at night with this sort of gear on them during the early hours any more than necessary. I am confident they are part of an organised crime gang/group, stealing heavy metal like this to order (or there abouts). High value prestige/sports/luxury cars, you would have to have everything arranged to move this on if you took it.
I have taken further precautions but I also accept that I have done as much as I can. Whether or not they will return for a further attempt I just cannot say. Likewise another separate attempt could be made by someone else.
I *STRONGLY* advise you research keyless relay theft. If you have a car that could be affected, make sure to take precautions you are comfortable with. Had I not, my car would already be gone.
I am obviously pleased it hasn’t, no one has been hurt, car is fine etc.
I think it’s quite unique in my situation that I actually saw the attempted theft in person with my own eyes. Most people would only ever know that they have been subject to a keyless theft attempt if their car had been taken. A failed attempt leaves no sign of entry, no damage to the car. Most people would just get in and drive off and be none the wiser. These thieves tend to operate in residential areas in the middle of the night hence most people are asleep. I was lucky to be awake at the time.
We see keyless theft mentioned on these forums, usually when it’s too late. At best you get a grainy video clip as the car is being taken. Do what you can to protect your property! Prevention is key.
