Drivers urged to boost car security after 25 vehicles stolen in 'relay attacks'
Motorists urged to use signal-blocking pouches and steering wheel locks after pair admitted stealing 25 high-value BMW and Mercedes cars using keyless “relay attack” devices
Drivers with keyless-entry cars have been urged to use signal-blocking pouches and steering wheel locks after two men were jailed for stealing 25 high-value vehicles in “relay attacks”.
Aurimas Sarkis, 29, and Ignas Kisskiss, 37, were jailed at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday for 49 months and 58 months respectively after admitting stealing the cars across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire between October and December 2025, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said.
The court heard the pair used the “relay attack” method, which allows thieves to access vehicles without a physical key, to steal mostly BMW and Mercedes cars worth an estimated combined total of more than £600,000.
The technique works by one person standing near the car owner’s home and using specialist equipment to pick up the signal from the key fob, which is then relayed to another device held by an accomplice next to the car, enabling them to unlock the doors and start the engine, the CPS said.
Steve Launchbury, principal engineer for automotive security at Thatcham Research, said that relay attack thefts “are a clear example of how vehicle crime has evolved from physical break-ins to digitally enabled methods”.
He went on: “Criminals are exploiting the convenience of keyless systems to access vehicles without ever needing the key in their hand.
“While manufacturers are introducing new technologies to counter these attacks, drivers still have an important role to play.
“Simple steps like storing keys securely or using a Faraday pouch can make a real difference and ensure the vehicle has been left in a locked condition.”
Thatcham Research said that car theft in the UK remains “significant”, saying that a vehicle is stolen every eight minutes.
It added: “Keyless theft techniques such as relay attack are part of a wider toolkit used by organised criminal groups operating at scale.
“Modern vehicle crime has shifted away from opportunistic to well-funded structured operations.”
Meanwhile, Iain McKinlay, of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators UK branch, said the case demonstrates that criminals “continue to exploit advances in vehicle technology target high value vehicles”.
He said that though manufacturers have invested “heavily” in improving vehicle security in recent years, “criminals continuously adapt their methods”.
He said: “Key security is paramount, they should be kept away from easily accessible areas within the home such as window sills, doors, keyholes at doors, stairs in front of doors, where casual theft by sneak thieves can occur.
“The use of the now recognised signal blocking devices such as RFID (signal blocking) pouches or containers can add another layer of protection.
“If fitting a tracking device, or an immobilisation product ensures that it is clear that the vehicle is protected, use any marking systems or stickers that come with the kit to highlight its presence and dissuade criminals for targeting your vehicle.
“Ensuring that the latest software updates have been loaded into your vehicle will also make a big difference, as will the use of visible physical deterrents such as old school steering locks which are seen as an unnecessary obstacle for a thief, often causing them to move on to another vehicle devoid of such items.”
Both the RAC and AA recommended signal-blocking pouches as an effective to guard against relay attack thefts.
The latter said that using a “humble” steering wheel lock “remains one of the most effective anti-theft devices available”.
Mercedes-Benz told the Press Association that all new “keyless go” car keys are fitted with a built-in motion sensor, which means if the key is in a drawer or on a hook, the signals cannot be hijacked.
Meanwhile, BMW Group said that to combat a “constantly evolving threat” from criminals, it “continuously innovates and strengthens the layers of security across our vehicle range”.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “Car makers take vehicle security extremely seriously and continuously introduce new technology to try to stay ahead of criminals.
“This investment has helped reduce vehicle theft dramatically over the past 30 years but technological innovation alone cannot prevent all theft – especially with organised crime gangs often responsible.
“That’s why government this year legislated to ban the sale of electronic devices – devices which have no legal purpose – but which are used by criminals to steal cars. ”
Kisskiss was arrested on December 10 last year while driving one of the stolen cars, while Sarkis was detained the next day, the CPS said.
Both were charged with conspiracy to commit theft.
Aamir Barrett, from the CPS, said: “The impact of the organised crime committed by Sarkis and Kisskiss extended well beyond financial loss.
“Many victims had to find alternative means of transport, were forced to replace essential items like children’s buggies and, in one case, had to repurchase specialist equipment and medication for a disabled family member.
“Our case was supported by evidence including automatic number plate recognition and phone data, as well as GPS data from a tag worn by Sarkis, which clearly linked both defendants to the offences. Faced with this evidence, they admitted their crimes.”