In a shocking daytime theft captured on CCTV, a luxury Jaguar XF was stolen right off a Cardiff street, leaving the owner reeling. Around 6pm last Saturday, a man appeared in Arran Place, fiddled with his pockets, and managed to drive off in the car, while its rightful owner was left holding the keys! Just days later, the car surfaced in Caerleon, disguised with false plates but sadly damaged.
The owner, who bought the Jaguar only this August, suspects a high-tech electronic scanner was used to pull off the heist. Such gadgets are increasingly popular among car thieves, allowing them to slip into vehicles in under a minute without a scratch. It’s a painful déjà vu for the 35-year-old, whose previous Jaguar also fell prey to vandals and thieves, ending up stolen and never recovered last summer.
Despite the swift recovery of the car thanks to a tip-off from an eagle-eyed local, the owner is frustrated by the lack of police presence and is baffled at how such thefts are deemed “not a priority.” The area around Connaught Road has seen a spate of car crimes, leaving residents wary and visitors warned to be cautious about where they park.
Security experts and insurers are voicing concerns about the rise in keyless car thefts, but what’s the solution? The police are working to review the CCTV footage to track down the culprit, and they urge anyone with information to come forward. Have you spotted anything suspicious or perhaps recognise the man in the footage? Let’s help put a stop to these high-tech car crimes!
If you’ve got any info, get in touch with the police and cite the reference number 2500325682. Every little bit could help get justice for car owners facing these distressing losses. Stay safe and keep an eye out on the roads! 🚗🔍