A sleek black Range Rover was stolen from outside an address on Caledon Road, East Ham, in a shocking incident that unfolded in less than a minute. To add insult to injury, the brazen theft was captured in full on the homeowner’s CCTV system.
The Theft: Quick and Calculated
The high-end vehicle was parked in the driveway when, at around 5pm, on the 24th March 2025 two hooded suspects approached stealthily. One acted as a lookout while the other quickly accessed the vehicle. Within seconds, they managed to bypass the security system and start the engine, speeding off into the night. The entire ordeal lasted less than 60 seconds, leaving the vehicle’s owner stunned and frustrated.
The CCTV footage shows the thieves using what appears to be a signal booster to intercept the key fob’s signal from inside the house. This technique, known as a relay attack, is increasingly common among car thieves targeting keyless entry vehicles.
Owner’s Reaction: “Absolutely Gutted”
Speaking to local reporters, the vehicle’s owner, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed disbelief.
“It all happened so fast. One minute the car was there, and the next, it was gone. It’s terrifying to think how easily they did it. I’ve never felt so helpless.”
He added that the Range Rover was his pride and joy, and he had recently invested in additional security measures, but they were not enough to deter the thieves.
Police Investigation Underway
The Metropolitan Police are investigating the theft and have urged anyone with information to come forward. Officers are reviewing the CCTV footage and are particularly interested in hearing from anyone who saw suspicious activity on Caledon Road around the time of the incident.
A spokesperson for the Met said:
“We are aware of the incident on Caledon Road and are actively investigating. We encourage anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage, or information to contact us on 101.
The Rise of Relay Attacks
Vehicle theft using relay attacks has become increasingly common, especially in London. Criminals use devices that can capture the signal from a key fob inside a house, allowing them to unlock and start the car. Authorities are advising vehicle owners to keep their key fobs in a Faraday pouch or metal box to block the signal.
Community Safety Advice
Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and consider additional security measures, including:
- Using a steering wheel lock.
- Parking in well-lit areas or inside a garage.
- Installing a tracker device on high-value vehicles.
- Ensuring CCTV cameras are visible to act as a deterrent.
Social Media Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage among East Ham residents on social media, with many expressing fear over the rising number of car thefts in the area. One user posted:
I live just a few doors down. This is terrifying! How can a car just vanish in under a minute?”
Another commented:
“Time to get one of those steering locks. These modern cars are too easy to steal.”
What to Do If You Have Information
Anyone who may have witnessed the theft or noticed suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
With the CCTV footage providing a clear glimpse of the suspects, the police are hopeful of tracing the culprits. In the meantime, the community remains on high alert, with residents looking to improve their own security measures in the wake of the theft.
