Audi RS4 stolen without keys (CCTV footage)

[Welly]

Despicable crime but interesting and certainly raises more than a few questions. Thief's use a device that plugs into the OBD port to turn off the alarm and reprogramme the car to accept a new key. Or something.

See also how one of the robbers holds the front door of the house shut so the owner can't come out.

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[steve_earwig]

You'd have thought keyless equipped cars would have some sort of master code (like the ones on the cards that we get with D9s) that ensure you can't do anything security-wise without inputting them first. Still, if the car's desirable* enough they'll find a way, even if it involves a low loader and a winch.

[FarmerPug]

I wonder if the owner had done something like disconnecting the crankshaft sensor, or fuel pump relay could the thieves have still started it, they get a routine going for stealing the car but if it doesnt start they are not going to start problem solving. Its a bit like disconnecting the coil wire on an old petrol car that has no immobiliser.
Although its hard to imagine an RS4 driver knows where these various parts are located in their car.

[Welly]

Funnily enough Frank it seems that it is recommended to pull certain fuses on modern cars if you're concerned it might get lifted. The sort of thing I was doing to my XR2 in the early 90's

Also recommended is a Crook-Lock or steering wheel lock

They call it 'progress'

[benczuk]

I actually watched that and thought they were a bit slow, and they set off the alarm. I have seen much faster and quieter getaways, the Audi security on key programming is obviously better than Range Rovers.

There are many benefits in owning an older car no one wants to steal.

[Welly]

I'm very mindful of theft, the only reason I bought my Volvo was that its preferred stable mate the Focus ST was, at the time, being stolen left right and centre and mostly by breaking in for the keys. I remember checking out the ST Forum at the time and every few posts started like: "another one stolen" followed by the Reg No. etc. f*ck that.