Police have today released one of the first CCTV films of a high-tech 'relay' car theft in the UK where a gang stole an expensive new car in a minute without needing its keys.

The two hooded criminals were able to override the Mercedes' security system in the Elmdon area of Solihull, Birmingham at 9pm on September 25 and the luxury vehicle has never been recovered.

The footage shows the men pull up outside the victim's house. One can be seen waving a relay box in front of property, which searches for a signal from the key inside the house and transmits it to the second box next to the car.

CCTV footage shows the men waiting briefly for the relay boxes to connect before the Mercedes' lights flash and the doors are opened.

The thieves then drive off with the whole crime only taking one minute to complete.

The thefts are becoming so widespread that drivers have been advised to take precautions as storing it in a safe because metal can repel relay signals and using a traditional steering wheel lock.

Police have released the first footage of a high-tech 'relay' car theft where a gang stole an expensive new car without needing its keys

Within a minute the luxury car is started, reversed off the drive and follows the gang's main car up the road near Solihull, Birmingham

Relay car unlocking systems are available on sites such as eBay for around £100.

Gangs use them to steal new cars - often to order - and brands targeted have included BMW, Ford, Audi, Land Rover, Hyundai, Volkswagen and Mercedes.

The car's locking system is tricked into thinking the car key is unlocking it, allowing access to the vehicle.

Mark Silvester, from the West Midlands Police crime reduction team, said: 'To protect against this type of theft, owners can use an additional tested and Thatcham-approved steering lock to cover the entire steering wheel.

'We also recommend Thatcham-approved tracking solutions fitted to the vehicle.

'It is always worth speaking to your main dealer, to ensure that your car has had all the latest software updates and talk through security concerns with them.'

CCTV footage shows the men waiting briefly for the relay boxes to pick up a signal from the car's key before its lights flash and the doors are opened

Sgt Tim Evans, from Solihull Police, said: 'It's important the public are reassured that we are taking proactive steps to tackle this type of crime in Solihull.

'We hope that knowledge of this type of crime will enable members of the public to take simple steps to secure their vehicle and assist us.'

Anyone with information on the Elmdon theft should call police on 101, quoting crime reference number 20SH/204842W/17.