POLICE in Solihull have a launched an appeal for information, after two men were caught on camera appearing to use a relay device to steal a car in Marston Green.
The video shows two men walking up outside the victim’s house, carrying relay equipment.
The devices are capable of receiving signals through walls, doors and windows, but not metal.
In the footage, one of the men can be seen waving a relay box in front of the property.
The box receives a signal from the key inside and transmits it to the second device, next to the Mercedes.
The car’s systems are then tricked into thinking that the key is present and so it is unlocked.
The thieves then drive off, with the whole crime taking just one minute.
The Mercedes has not been recovered since it was stolen from Maple Leaf Drive on February 21 at around 5.30am.
This is the second time a relay crime has been captured on camera in Solihull.
Mark Silvester, from the West Midlands Police crime reduction team, said: “To protect against this type of theft, owners can use an additional tested and Thatcham-approved steering lock to cover the entire steering wheel.
“We also recommend Thatcham-approved tracking solutions fitted to the vehicle.
“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.”
Anyone with information on the Marston Green theft should call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 20SH/41660G/18.
