Thieves caught on camera unlocking and pinching £50,000 Mercedes in seconds using simple gadget
Crooks used a backpack device to amplify the signal from his keyless fob
A MERCEDES owner has branded the car maker “a joke” after thieves unlocked and pinched his £50,000 saloon with a simple remote gadget.
The crooks were filmed on home security CCTV using a backpack device to amplify the signal from his keyless fob, which he had in his bedroom.
The boosted signal unlocked the car — letting them jump in, press the start button and drive off.
It is the second car this year filmed being stolen in this way after a BMW theft was also videoed.
The hack takes advantage of Mercedes’ Keyless Go remote fob system.
This allows drivers to unlock their car simply by approaching with the high-tech device.
The technology is also used by rival manufacturers including Ford, Toyota and Range Rover.
The 30-year-old Merc owner had his white C300 AMG stolen from his parents’ home in Redbridge, East London.
He said: “We’re assured these high-tech cars are unstealable. But people can just pinch the codes. Mercedes need to sort this out — it’s a joke.
“It’s clearly a design flaw. A firm with their reputation shouldn’t be outwitted by a couple of chancers with a laptop.”
The thieves were seen waving their backpack at the front of the house to strengthen the key code so it reached the car.
The driver has received an insurance payout, but will face premium hikes.
An investigation by Germany’s AA found models from 30 makers failed break-in tests using simple hacking devices, which are on eBay for as little as £250.
Mercedes said Keyless Go can be deactivated by double-clicking the fob.
A spokesman said: “We are sorry to learn of this customer’s experience.
“All our vehicles have extensive anti-theft protection systems.”
Keys are handy
INVENTOR Steven Northam has no need for keys — he uses a microchip implanted in his left hand to get into his home and office.
Wireless and radio frequency technologies allow Steven, 33, left, to wave near a panel to open doors. His BMW Z4 starts when his hand touches the wheel.
Steven has set up a firm to offer the chip and implant op at a cost of £260.
But wife Becci, 30, is sticking to an electronic key fob in Otterbourne, Hants. Steven said: “She’s scared of needles, and thinks I’m a bit mad.”