West Midlands Police arrested a man minutes after a Land Rover was stolen in Alum Rock, Birmingham, in an incident that has prompted a fresh security warning for owners of similar vehicles.
The vehicle was taken in a relay theft, a method where criminals use electronic devices to intercept the keyless entry signal from a car key inside a home and relay it to the vehicle, unlocking and starting it without the physical key.
According to a post on the WMPTraffic account on X, officers spotted the stolen Land Rover in Alum Rock just minutes after it had been reported stolen. A pursuit followed, and the driver decamped on foot before being quickly arrested following a foot chase.
Police Issue Security Warning After Arrest
Following the arrest, West Midlands Police issued a warning to Land Rover owners, urging them to consider aftermarket security measures. The WMPTraffic post read: "Officers saw this Land Rover in Alum Rock just minutes after it had been stolen in a relay theft. It was pursued before the driver decamped & was quickly arrested following a foot chase. If you have a similar vehicle please consider aftermarket security."
The incident highlights the ongoing issue of keyless car theft in the region, where relay devices are increasingly used to target high-value vehicles. The warning specifically advises owners of Land Rover and similar models to invest in additional security, such as steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, or signal-blocking pouches for keys.
Relay Theft: How It Works and How to Protect Your Vehicle
Relay theft typically involves two criminals: one stands near the homeowner's key fob to capture the signal, while the other stands near the vehicle with a relay device to amplify and transmit the signal, tricking the car into thinking the key is present. The entire process can take under a minute, making it a common method for stealing keyless-entry cars.
West Midlands Police have previously advised owners to store keys away from doors and windows, use a Faraday pouch or box to block signals, and consider aftermarket immobilisers or tracking devices. The force's latest warning reinforces these recommendations, especially for owners of Land Rover Defenders, which are frequently targeted due to their high resale value.
Arrest Made, Investigation Ongoing
The arrested driver remains in police custody, and an investigation is ongoing. No further details have been released at this time, but the recovery of the stolen vehicle within minutes of the theft demonstrates the effectiveness of rapid police response in tackling vehicle crime.
Residents in Alum Rock and surrounding areas are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. For those concerned about keyless car theft, West Midlands Police recommend consulting with dealerships or security specialists to explore additional protective measures suitable for their vehicle model.
