'relay Crime' Theft Caught On Camera

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-42132804/relay-crime-theft-caught-on-camera

Could anyone please explain how this scam is possible ? I don't know what a "relay box" is.

[mikey4444]

I am still unsure why any car needs this keyless entry system in the first place ?

If you still need to carry the fob in your pocket, just what is the point ?....what is the advantage ?

[Togo]

Same to you TTT. My motor has no ignition barrel or facility to disable the keyless ignition. Perhaps your Merc was an earlier generation model, you did not give the year. The first CL600s were sold around 2007 and things have moved on apace.

[Togo]

Thing is Mikey when I first had the motor, 12 months ago, I was thinking ohh ohh, not sure about this. I now love it. Open doors with fob put it in my pocket or even on the driver seat and press the clutch and start button simultaneously and away. When I get in "She who must be obeyed"s motor I always think what a fanny putting a key in the damned slot. Especially in the dark. In mine when you have opened the driver door to get in the car detects the fob and the dash lights up automatically. Haha we can get used to anything. Unfortunately so can the Tea Leaves.

[mikey4444]

Togo....I fully understand how this could be fun !

I am still getting used to pressing a button to wind down the window, instead of all that tiresome turning a handle !

I also rather like, especially at this time of year, the fact that when I reach my destination, lights come on in the foot-wells of the car. And I really like this new-fangled central locking !

But none of those things are conducive to aiding the theft of my car, when I am asleep, as has happened.

I presume that the car manufactures are busily trying to find a way of stopping similar thefts.

I also wonder what the situation would be when making a claim on the insurance ?

[Togo]

I think the real point is Mikey that the keyless ignition doesn't facilitate the Tea Leaves. Unfortunately it does not deter them either. They soon learn how to bypass a system but are as ever only targeting the high value motors. The penalty for half inching a 90 grand Merc is no more than a 12 grand model and the possibility of getting nicked is no more risky. Plus there is a market out East ready made and eager to receive. You only need the contacts and these relay devices are available at the right price.

[mikey4444]

Togo....my point is that if these "relay boxes" are so easily available, than this crime would appear to be easily committed.

While I realise that any car can be stolen, Merc have made it extremely easy, by the use of a keyless system.

If these thieves had wanted to steal this car, and it had an "ordinary" locking system, they would have had to break into the house and steal the keys first, which, while not impossible, would have been much more noisy, difficult and time consuming.

The use of a keyless system made the whole affair quick and easy.

If the evidence of the CCCTV is to be believed, the theft took about 20 seconds.

[bhg481]

You need to try keyless entry/ignition for a mont Mikey and then report again. I find having to use a key a real pain nowadays.

[bhg481]

month

[Togo]

Just been reading up on this a bit. It seems that these relay systems are for sale on the dark web for thousands of pounds but can be assembled for £100 if you have the electronic skills.(Better get weaving I think) Mercedes Benz say "Keyless-Go keys for all of our current models and those produced since 2014 can be simply deactivated if customers are concerned. By pressing the lock button twice a light will flash to show that the key has been deactivated. The key can be reactivated by pressing any button(on the fob). By deactivating the key it cannot be compromised".
I think that may answer the insurance question Mikey. The Insurance company will say, "your own fault for not deactivating the key when not in use". Crickey I had better bone up on my system. Where is the hand book?

[douglas9401]

First world problems right enough. :-)

[Togo]

Haha Douglas, that is where the half inched Mercs end up. Africa, Albania, Iraq, Wales. :))