Drivers have been warned about a sophisticated car theft ring recently uncovered by police in North London targeting keyless cars.
The organised crime network used a keyless theft device disguised as a “Gameboy” to steal vehicles worth over £2million between October 2018 and December 2022.
The thieves targeted cars in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Newham.
Using the device, criminals could quickly open and start targeted vehicles in seconds, appearing no different from someone using a legitimate key.
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The investigation by the Met Police began in January 2022
MET POLICE
Following a police investigation, five men have been sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court for a range of vehicle theft offences, receiving a total of 13 years and five months imprisonment.
The investigation began in January 2022 when officers linked a series of car thefts in North London, with vehicles eventually being seen as far away as Wales and Scotland.
Detective Constable Dave Van Der Valk, from the Met’s Specialist Crime North team, said: “Thanks to the hard work and perseverance of highly skilled officers in the Met, we have been able to disrupt a sophisticated crime operation.”
Working with specialist Met Police officers and the DVLA, the team uncovered the identities of those involved. In response 20 warrants were issued in February 2023, leading to arrests.
Two figures identified as lead figures in the network evaded detection by cloning number plates and vehicle log documents, even selling stolen cars to dealerships.
To protect themselves from keyless car theft, drivers are advised to take precautions when purchasing vehicles privately. The Met recommended meeting sellers at public locations like car dealerships, where staff can provide assistance.
Other tips include checking the electronic VIN stored in the infotainment unit or using OBD diagnostic kits as well as asking sellers for photo ID and recording it.
Drivers should also avoid cash payments and use secure methods through selling websites when possible.
Van Der Valk emphasised: “There were two layers of victims in this case – those who had their cars stolen and those who bought the stolen cars.”
“Those who bought the stolen cars without realising were truly the most affected as they did not receive any compensation from insurance companies.”
Other members of the gang were found to have assistedin laundering £78,000 from stolen car sales. In one shocking incident, two offenders stole a Volvo with a three-year-old child inside, causing minor injuries before abandoning the vehicle.
Another was employed at a notable auction house and was found to be the networks longest launderer. He assisted in selling a Jaguar which had been exchanged for a stolen vehicle with cloned plates to a car dealership in Essex in 2019.
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According to the Office for National Statistics, 363,321 vehicles were reported stolen to the police last year.
Mark Trimbee, CEO of Regtransfers, explained that when it comes to keys, drivers should keep them out of sight and away from entry points to prevent theft through methods like key fishing.
He noted: “While you’re out on the road, keep your doors locked and maintain enough space to manoeuvre in traffic.”
