London has a problem. Gangs are using key-programming devices to create duplicate keys for a number of high-end vehicles, allowing them to gain entry to the vehicle and simply drive away.

Last year the technique was responsible for 6000 car and van thefts, which works out as an average of 17 vehicles every day. In fact, 42 per cent of all cars stolen in London were moved without the car’s keys.

One of the most common thefts involves criminals breaking a window on the car, plugging a device into the car’s OBD port and downloading the vehicle’s information to a blank key. That key is then paired with that car, allowing the thieves to turn the engine on and drive away. The devices are easy to obtain, as they’re used by legitimate mechanics for routine repairs and servicing.