THIS is the shocking moment thieves attempted to take off with two cars that were sitting on the owner’s driveway in broad daylight.
Taking place in Pelsall, West Midlands, the unlocked vehicles had been left to defrost just metres from the front door.
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It is thought the crooks appeared in the snowy conditions early on Wednesday morning, attempting to steal both cars.
Posted on Instagram by Car Crime UK, the footage shows how one criminal managed to make off with the white Kia Sportage.
Heading off at speed, the car’s break lights can be seen glowing in the bleak weather as the vehicle struggles momentarily over a bump.
The second attempt was not as smooth as the owner abruptly wrestled the driver-side door open before the car could make a getaway.
They then proceeded to grab the brazen thief, throwing them from the car.
Warning other road users, the account captioned the video: “Please use this as a reminder to always stay with your vehicle when you are warmed it up / defrosting.”
Many have taken to the comments section to express their strong opinions of the footage.
One person said: “Everyone knows not to do this.”
Another reacted: “Use a spare key to lock the car.”
Someone else put: “Thieves be everywhere always looking for that open opportunity stay aware peeps.”
A fourth wrote: “Disgusting human behaviour.”
The Sun has approached West Midlands police for comment.
It comes after the moment brazen thieves managed to unlock and drive off with a BMW within five seconds.
Hacking the car using relay equipment in Barnsley, Yorkshire, the crooks unlocked the luxury vehicle.
Captured on November 7 from a Ring doorbell, the footage shows the brazen thieves walking up to the house and tampering with the electronic keys outside.
Dressed in a tracksuit and hoodie, the nonchalant crook clambers inside.
According to Car Crime UK, who posted the video on Instagram, the men were able to steal the vehicle using relay equipment.
This allowed them to unlock the car and start the ignition.
One person commented under the video: “Thieves destroying decent peoples’ lives.”
How to protect your car against ‘keyless theft’
HERE are some ways to protect your vehicle from relay theft:
- Keep your keys out of sight and away from your front door and letterbox. You can store them in a signal-blocking pouch, like a Faraday bag.
- A steering wheel lock or wheel clamp can act as a physical barrier, making it harder for thieves to drive away.
- Consider installing a tracking device. The tracker can send an alert if your car is broken into and it can also help police find the car if it’s stolen.
- A doorbell camera or security camera can deter criminals and provide evidence if a crime occurs.
- Park your car in well-lit areas and avoid leaving it in isolated spots, especially at night. If you don’t have a garage, park your car close to home.
- Check for software updates. Many cars have over-the-air updates that include new security measures.
- Check your car is locked. Always manually check that your car is locked before walking away.
Source: West Midlands Police
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