Mercedes thieves caught by Breckland Police in Necton after using signal relay device

Two men have admitted using a signal relay device to steal a car.

The pair appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning charged with using the device to relay the signal from the Mercedes S Class’s keys inside a home to unlock the car and start the engine.

It happened at around 2.30am on Monday morning. The offenders were stopped by officers just 12 minutes later in Necton after a call from the victim.

They were in the stolen Mercedes and the passenger was found still wearing a balaclava, with the signal relay device in his footwell and a GPS jammer device still transmitting.

They were arrested and taken to the Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

One was charged with stealing a Mercedes S Class, driving without insurance, driving while disqualified and using apparatus for the purpose of interfering with wireless telegraphy.

The other was charged with stealing a Mercedes S Class and using apparatus for the purpose of interfering with wireless telegraphy.

They were remanded for court and both pleaded guilty to all charges. They have been remanded in custody to be sentenced on May 12.

Insp Simon Jones, a Breckland Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, said: “This is a timely reminder to anyone who has a car with ‘keyless’ technology to take extra steps to secure their vehicle.

“The easiest way to do this is by using a Faraday box or pouch to store your keys when you are at home.”