A family say they feel “violated” after thieves used sophisticated technology to block their camera and steal a Mercedes from their drive.

The silver C220 was taken overnight in Westfield Avenue, Watford, with the family only realising it was gone the following morning.

The victim told the Watford Observer he is “totally gutted”, adding: “We have lived in Watford for over 40 years and this is the first time anything like this has happened to us.

“The sophistication with which the thieves were able to get into my car, drive away without using a key/fob and block the Ring doorbell from recording is scary.

“We feel violated that this happened on our doorstep and neighbourhood.”

The video shows two men brazenly scoping out the car, with one shining a torch inside, before the pair look back up at the house.

Then as the footage goes on, one of the men goes around the edge of the frame before disappearing – which the victims believe was when they “put something on the doorbell”.

It then goes into slow motion, makes odd noises and eventually goes black.

“The videos we’ve had before have never been like this,” the victim added.

Having spoken to Ring, he was reportedly told some thieves have technology “similar to an EMP” – which disturbs electrics with a brief burst of electromagnetic energy.

Herts Police confirmed they are investigating the theft, which happened at around 4.30am on Tuesday, September 27. Anyone with information can contact them via 101 quoting 41/77974/22.

The latest Mercedes theft comes days after police warned the county was seeing a spike in vehicle crimes with high-value keyless cars particularly targeted.

Watford Observer: The thieves looking back up to the house as the family slept inside.The thieves looking back up to the house as the family slept inside. (Image: Victim, no credit)

Four cars – two Mercedes and two BMWs – were taken in Bushey overnight between September 22 and 23.

They were stolen from outside homes and driveways in Coldharbour Lane, Merry Hill Road and Wren Crescent, with police upping night patrols in response.

In a warning to drivers, Hertsmere Inspector Rachael Robertson said: “These thieves use signal jacking devices, which pick up the car’s fob key signal from inside the home, so that they can unlock and start the car.

“Using a signal blocking fob pouch (such as a Faraday Bag) or storing your fob in a metal box will help prevent the signal from being detected.”

Watford Observer: The stolen Mercedes. Anyone with information on it has been urged to contact police.The stolen Mercedes. Anyone with information on it has been urged to contact police. (Image: Victim, no credit)

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