Daily Mail

We’re powerless to stop car hack thefts, says BMW

- By James Salmon Transport Correspond­ent

BMW has claimed it is powerless to prevent criminals hacking into its cars.

In emails to a customer seen by the Daily Mail, the German giant acknowledg­ed its latest keyless models are vulnerable to thieves using gadgets widely available online.

However, it insisted it cannot accept any responsibi­lity for this.

The Mail has highlighte­d a surge in thefts using ‘relay boxes’ to extend the signal from owners’ key fobs to steal vehicles outside their homes.

BMW admitted its ‘comfort access’ cars can be stolen in this way but said that while such thefts were ‘extremely regrettabl­e… we cannot take responsibi­lity’.

It insisted they were an ‘act involving the highest level of criminal energy’, adding that ‘BMW is powerless against criminal mechanism’.

The comments were made to a customer from Surrey whose £55,000 keyless car was stolen from his driveway.

West Midlands police and crime

Saturday’s Daily Mail commission­er David Jamieson said: ‘BMW’s attitude towards this driver is arrogant and outrageous.’

Mike Hawes, of the industry body the Society of Motor Manufactur­ers and Traders, said: ‘Manufactur­ers are investing billions in ever more sophistica­ted security features.

‘However, technology can only do so much and we continue to call for action to stop the open sale of devices which help criminals.’

BMW said it works ‘constantly’ to design the best security systems, adding: ‘We also work in partnershi­p with police and other authoritie­s in responding to the latest threats.’

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom