Living in Dublin, had a BMW stolen since Sept 2013?

Cabaal

http://www.broadsheet.ie/2014/08/19/how-many-23/

Up to 120 BMW cars stolen in a sophisticated cross-border key cloning racket were to be broken up and shipped to Latvia, the High Court in Belfast has heard. An eastern European crime gang is suspected to be behind the theft of the cars from Dublin. They then moved them to garages in Northern Ireland, prosecutors said.

A prosecuting lawyer said two co-accused are believed to have travelled from England to help transport the cars.

“Police believe this gang are operating in different jurisdictions,” the lawyer said. “Approximately 120 BMWs were stolen from the greater Dublin area since September 2013.” The lawyer said: “Since the arrests, there have been no reported thefts of BMWs in the Dublin area. Prior to this, they were almost on a nightly basis.”

Sounds pretty damn organised!

Indricotherium

Is it difficult to change a RHD bmw to a LHD?

Kenny Logins

Indricotherium wrote: »

Is it difficult to change a RHD bmw to a LHD?

They sold parts, not cars.

Eric Cartman

Indricotherium wrote: »

Is it difficult to change a RHD bmw to a LHD?

considering the LHD body parts are all readily available , I doubt it, however 120 cars would also make a fine parts collection.

kdevitt

Cabaal wrote: »

http://www.broadsheet.ie/2014/08/19/how-many-23/

The lawyer said: “Since the arrests, there have been no reported thefts of BMWs in the Dublin area. Prior to this, they were almost on a nightly basis.

This quote came up in conversation last Thursday with a mate of mine who works for a major insurance company.

He said it's total crap and they're being nicked constantly - he currently has three open files on E90 3 series having been taken this way.

Still, they're an organised outfit alright - that key cloning equipment isn't cheap eBay tat.

irish gent

A lad from the job his 2013 BMW 520 was stolen in Januray of this year never got it back.

Wossack

anecdotally, it does seem like theres been a reduction in stolen bmw threads on here in that last while alright. They seemed weekly at one point. Threads on how they were being stolen with laptops etc too

PrettyBoy

Few lads on BMW Driver/Haus had their cars stolen and never recovered. Vaguely remember someone saying that there was a recall in the UK to help prevent these thefts but it never happened in Ireland for some reason.

e92335i

Was there a specific range of years/models stolen?
Or was it any and all?

Are all BMWs open to the key cloning or is it only certain models?

blastman

Certain models had a vulnerability in the security system that allowed you gain access to the OBD2 connector without setting off the alarm. They were then able to fool the car into thinking the key was present. Can't remember exact details but there was a thread or two about it on here.

PrettyBoy

e92335i wrote: »

Was there a specific range of years/models stolen?
Or was it any and all?

Are all BMWs open to the key cloning or is it only certain models?

Not sure what models are vulnerable but I believe most of the stolen cars were E90-E92 3 series.

coolisin

There are a couple of ways these cars have being taken and broken into. The factory fitted alarm is rubbish and can be gotten around too easily.
I wont go into steps on a public forum.
But its shockingly easy and quick to take these cars.

But the security update is a tale of lies, it doesn't really exist im afraid.
Your best bet is to make life difficult on the thief.
Then they might move on to someone else car instead.

The worst part is the lack of interest by the powers that be in this country to tackle this crime. (Or any crime really)
No I dont want to feel like the local csi is there examining all the evidence. Im also aware that there are bigger crimes out there.

visual

Can I presume my E39 isnt as easy to steel
With its standard factory alarm activitvated by car key fob.

Tails142

I ordered a used part on ebay recently and it came from Latvia :-) funny to think it might have gone full circle