BMW M140i stolen off driveway - Cheltenham
Discussion
cmaguire said:
TooMany2cvs said:
That apart, sure, the padlock went through the window - but I doubt they'd have left empty-handed if it hadn't been available. They'd simply have used something else handy.
So that's how it works is it, if there's nothing handy do they just go home?Gavia said:
Here’s my Connected Drive, still saying the car is on my drive. It’s useless for anything other than women who can’t find their car in a car park.
Lucky it works at all. My ConnectedDrive app says the location of my M240i is completely unknown... although I can see it out the window in the car park.I wouldn't count on it actually sending telematics to BMW at all, so no-need to disable it.
I hope they find your car before it's chopped up or shipped overseas.
Many years ago when we still had decent cars we had exactly the same sort of theft from our property. Within an hour of the taxi picking us up to jet off to the airport.
Wifes jewelry box stolen (left on top of dressing table), pillowcases gone, but hadn't taken a laptop from the same room, nor gone through more than 2 drawers of 20 or so in the room. Then got the keys. then knicked the Scooby.
Police said the "house" bit of the burglary was a distraction to hide the fact that the car was stolen to order. Police also noticed that a disproportionate number of people from the company I worked for at the time were being burgled. Eventually narrowed down to an HR assistant who'd be going through peoples leave requests and their car park application forms (spot who is going on holiday and has a nice car)! The mole is never quite whom you think!
Fortunately, when on holiday something happens to wife's jewelry that is worth anything and a cheap jewelry box with cheap costume jewelry worth less than 1% the real jewelry worth is left in an obvious place. Together with a 10 year old laptop with no hard drive! Eagle Star insurance told us that one so shows how long ago this was. Haven't heard the name Eagle Star for years - whom did they become?
Wifes jewelry box stolen (left on top of dressing table), pillowcases gone, but hadn't taken a laptop from the same room, nor gone through more than 2 drawers of 20 or so in the room. Then got the keys. then knicked the Scooby.
Police said the "house" bit of the burglary was a distraction to hide the fact that the car was stolen to order. Police also noticed that a disproportionate number of people from the company I worked for at the time were being burgled. Eventually narrowed down to an HR assistant who'd be going through peoples leave requests and their car park application forms (spot who is going on holiday and has a nice car)! The mole is never quite whom you think!
Fortunately, when on holiday something happens to wife's jewelry that is worth anything and a cheap jewelry box with cheap costume jewelry worth less than 1% the real jewelry worth is left in an obvious place. Together with a 10 year old laptop with no hard drive! Eagle Star insurance told us that one so shows how long ago this was. Haven't heard the name Eagle Star for years - whom did they become?
StanleyT said:
Police said the "house" bit of the burglary was a distraction to hide the fact that the car was stolen to order. Police also noticed that a disproportionate number of people from the company I worked for at the time were being burgled. Eventually narrowed down to an HR assistant who'd be going through peoples leave requests and their car park application forms (spot who is going on holiday and has a nice car)! The mole is never quite whom you think!
Bloody hell, you can't trust anyone these days :OSorry if this has been answered but can’t see it if not?
Did your house have an alarm that was switched on?
We’re in a new build. Like you, upgraded locks & handles etc.
Also got ADT in addition to the builder fit Alarm and fitted a cage around the Alarm controll unit indoors.
Glass remains vulnerable so considering a security film for French doors.
The more layers you have, the harder it becomes for thieves.
Smart water is great as thieves hate it. Datatag for Cars too.
Did your house have an alarm that was switched on?
We’re in a new build. Like you, upgraded locks & handles etc.
Also got ADT in addition to the builder fit Alarm and fitted a cage around the Alarm controll unit indoors.
Glass remains vulnerable so considering a security film for French doors.
The more layers you have, the harder it becomes for thieves.
Smart water is great as thieves hate it. Datatag for Cars too.
Edited by Squadrone Rosso on Friday 19th January 13:39
MrBarry123 said:
Sorry to hear this OP.
Out of interest, was the BMW 3-door or 5-door?
It's the 5 door.Out of interest, was the BMW 3-door or 5-door?
magnum555 said:
Sorry to hear this OP, did you have a house alarm?
Nope. Something to be changed shortly.herewego said:
Smashing a patio door in the early evening with neighbours all around sounds a bit risky to me. I'd have expected a neighbour to take an interest.
Yeah, no-one heard anything as far as I can tell. The window boarding up bloke who set up a workbench and a powered jigsaw to cut chipboard at 3:30am got everyone's attention though 
Squadrone Rosso said:
Sorry if this has been answered but can’t see it if not?
Did your house have an alarm that was switched on?
We’re in a new build. Like you, upgraded locks & handles etc.
Also got ADT in addition to the builder fit Alarm and fitted a cage around the Alarm controll unit indoors.
Glass remains vulnerable so considering a security film for French doors.
The more layers you have, the harder it becomes for thieves.
Smart water is great as thieves hate it. Datatag for Cars too.
ADT looks like the answer for me too really. How do you find the unit?Did your house have an alarm that was switched on?
We’re in a new build. Like you, upgraded locks & handles etc.
Also got ADT in addition to the builder fit Alarm and fitted a cage around the Alarm controll unit indoors.
Glass remains vulnerable so considering a security film for French doors.
The more layers you have, the harder it becomes for thieves.
Smart water is great as thieves hate it. Datatag for Cars too.
So much support. Thanks everyone! This place can be great, especially when avoiding The Lounge
captain_cynic said:
Lucky it works at all. My ConnectedDrive app says the location of my M240i is completely unknown... although I can see it out the window in the car park.
I wouldn't count on it actually sending telematics to BMW at all, so no-need to disable it.
I hope they find your car before it's chopped up or shipped overseas.
Thanks, but it’s no longer my car, as I’ve received the payout and new car arrives tomorrow. I hope the OP is luckier than I was. I wouldn't count on it actually sending telematics to BMW at all, so no-need to disable it.
I hope they find your car before it's chopped up or shipped overseas.
someone nearly took my M5 a couple of years ago.
Even though they were not successful, its now always in the back of my mind "What if someones hiding around the corner waiting for me to open my car" etc.
Before it happens to you, you're convinced that it'll never happen. "Oh it only happens in London or Birmingham, oh it only happens in rough areas" etc. etc.
But after someone attempts to steal your pride and joy, be that successfully or unsuccessfully, you get paranoid every time you hear a car pull up late at night or you're extra careful to not drive through rough areas, etc.
Even though they were not successful, its now always in the back of my mind "What if someones hiding around the corner waiting for me to open my car" etc.
Before it happens to you, you're convinced that it'll never happen. "Oh it only happens in London or Birmingham, oh it only happens in rough areas" etc. etc.
But after someone attempts to steal your pride and joy, be that successfully or unsuccessfully, you get paranoid every time you hear a car pull up late at night or you're extra careful to not drive through rough areas, etc.
What kind of padlock can break through a double glazed window?
Surely this would take a long time and make a lot of noise?
Is it me or do the police seem powerless to stop this kind of car theft at the mo?
Never seem to hear of successful outcomes sadly.
The sort of people who do this walk among us every day and it makes me so angry that others think they can just take what isn’t theirs and get away with it.
I’d hate to get burgled. I’d be more scared of what might happen to my dog then my car.
Reading these horrible stories makes you question your own purchases and lifestyle and it’s just so wrong that it should be like that.
F-ing hate scumbags.
Surely this would take a long time and make a lot of noise?
Is it me or do the police seem powerless to stop this kind of car theft at the mo?
Never seem to hear of successful outcomes sadly.
The sort of people who do this walk among us every day and it makes me so angry that others think they can just take what isn’t theirs and get away with it.
I’d hate to get burgled. I’d be more scared of what might happen to my dog then my car.
Reading these horrible stories makes you question your own purchases and lifestyle and it’s just so wrong that it should be like that.
F-ing hate scumbags.
Sorry to hear OP, M135/40's getting stolen has become all too common unfortunately. :/
One thing I did pick up on reading the thread is the criticism of ConnectedDrive to find stolen cars. That seems a little unfair really as BMW don't advertise it as a tracker facility do they, it's merely a gimicky convenience tool that lets you do a few mildly useful things remotely including check it's location? Even the best trackers can be rendered useless if the signal gets blocked by tech or putting the car inside a container etc so BMW are always going to be hit and miss with the Operation Cundall requests.
One thing I did pick up on reading the thread is the criticism of ConnectedDrive to find stolen cars. That seems a little unfair really as BMW don't advertise it as a tracker facility do they, it's merely a gimicky convenience tool that lets you do a few mildly useful things remotely including check it's location? Even the best trackers can be rendered useless if the signal gets blocked by tech or putting the car inside a container etc so BMW are always going to be hit and miss with the Operation Cundall requests.
burger81 said:
What kind of padlock can break through a double glazed window?
Surely this would take a long time and make a lot of noise?
Is it me or do the police seem powerless to stop this kind of car theft at the mo?
Never seem to hear of successful outcomes sadly.
The sort of people who do this walk among us every day and it makes me so angry that others think they can just take what isn’t theirs and get away with it.
I’d hate to get burgled. I’d be more scared of what might happen to my dog then my car.
Reading these horrible stories makes you question your own purchases and lifestyle and it’s just so wrong that it should be like that.
F-ing hate scumbags.
A friend who has a brand new gti parked on his drive on a new housing estate wakes up one morning to find a brand new but cheap (one you would find at Lidl on the middle isle) and empty blow torch on his patio pointing to the toughened glass French doors, it’s a new thing that’s going on, they place said torch on the glass and come back later when the glass has shattered makes very little noise, and if the occupiers haven’t woken up it’s easy pickings apparently from what the police said.Surely this would take a long time and make a lot of noise?
Is it me or do the police seem powerless to stop this kind of car theft at the mo?
Never seem to hear of successful outcomes sadly.
The sort of people who do this walk among us every day and it makes me so angry that others think they can just take what isn’t theirs and get away with it.
I’d hate to get burgled. I’d be more scared of what might happen to my dog then my car.
Reading these horrible stories makes you question your own purchases and lifestyle and it’s just so wrong that it should be like that.
F-ing hate scumbags.
He was lucky either the wind blew the flame out or it ran out of gas.
LocoBlade said:
Sorry to hear OP, M135/40's getting stolen has become all too common unfortunately. :/
One thing I did pick up on reading the thread is the criticism of ConnectedDrive to find stolen cars. That seems a little unfair really as BMW don't advertise it as a tracker facility do they, it's merely a gimicky convenience tool that lets you do a few mildly useful things remotely including check it's location? Even the best trackers can be rendered useless if the signal gets blocked by tech or putting the car inside a container etc so BMW are always going to be hit and miss with the Operation Cundall requests.
Mine was specifically “sold” to me as meaning I didn’t need a tracker. I had £600 burning a hole in my pocket and was talked out of it. This is the first car that I’ve not fitted a tracker to in probably 20 years. One thing I did pick up on reading the thread is the criticism of ConnectedDrive to find stolen cars. That seems a little unfair really as BMW don't advertise it as a tracker facility do they, it's merely a gimicky convenience tool that lets you do a few mildly useful things remotely including check it's location? Even the best trackers can be rendered useless if the signal gets blocked by tech or putting the car inside a container etc so BMW are always going to be hit and miss with the Operation Cundall requests.
In our area there have been several car thefts and they’ve put the patio windows through with bricks/paving slabs in the daytime while people are sat at home. They don’t care, Straight in, make threats with weapons for keys and off they go.
It’s a common thing that has a lots of people charting locally. What’s the answer? I don’t think they’re is one at the moment.
If someone wants you car or any other item then nothing will stop them from getting it.
Install a fancy alarm or lock and if they’re motivated enough they’ll get you to unlock it or provide a code for it.
You could get a dog, this is a big step and a lot of responsibility but trained family protection dogs are available from around 2k upwards. Might help stop someone coming in to your home or stop them in their tracks should they enter but then they’d just wait for you to leave the house and grab you then.
Ghost alarm type system, how much do they want your car, how much violence are they willing to dish out to get the code?
Extreme measures....Smart water system fitted at home with all petrol stations fitted with uv lights at pumps and door ways? At least give officers a chance to find/catch those bang at it. These systems have a 100% conviction rate for those caught but would have to be adapted for home use and probably expensive.
Some might be prepared to put up a fight and that could lead anywhere.
Iphone type finger print start, I’m guessing again if they’re motivated then you’ll be forced to start the car or worse lose a finger?
It’s a common thing that has a lots of people charting locally. What’s the answer? I don’t think they’re is one at the moment.
If someone wants you car or any other item then nothing will stop them from getting it.
Install a fancy alarm or lock and if they’re motivated enough they’ll get you to unlock it or provide a code for it.
You could get a dog, this is a big step and a lot of responsibility but trained family protection dogs are available from around 2k upwards. Might help stop someone coming in to your home or stop them in their tracks should they enter but then they’d just wait for you to leave the house and grab you then.
Ghost alarm type system, how much do they want your car, how much violence are they willing to dish out to get the code?
Extreme measures....Smart water system fitted at home with all petrol stations fitted with uv lights at pumps and door ways? At least give officers a chance to find/catch those bang at it. These systems have a 100% conviction rate for those caught but would have to be adapted for home use and probably expensive.
Some might be prepared to put up a fight and that could lead anywhere.
Iphone type finger print start, I’m guessing again if they’re motivated then you’ll be forced to start the car or worse lose a finger?
Sorry to hear of this OP.
My advice - always get the CCTV Cameras up out of reach. Get an alarm for the house that is monitored by a central call centre with dual path if you have valuable stuff inside.
If the window cleaner has to come - why not get a combination lock for the gate? This isn't a feature, they'd have just hopped a gate though.
ABS locks are a good idea - but as you've seen, they'll just break a window. Not much you can do to defend against that.
Internal CCTV may be an idea also.
My advice - always get the CCTV Cameras up out of reach. Get an alarm for the house that is monitored by a central call centre with dual path if you have valuable stuff inside.
If the window cleaner has to come - why not get a combination lock for the gate? This isn't a feature, they'd have just hopped a gate though.
ABS locks are a good idea - but as you've seen, they'll just break a window. Not much you can do to defend against that.
Internal CCTV may be an idea also.
Gavia said:
Mine was specifically “sold” to me as meaning I didn’t need a tracker. I had £600 burning a hole in my pocket and was talked out of it. This is the first car that I’ve not fitted a tracker to in probably 20 years.
Thats some jumped up salesman basically lying to make a sale though I'm guessing, not something you've seen BMW themselves advertise as a feature? There's mention of Connected Drive being a tracking or security feature here for instance:
http://www.bmw.co.uk/en_GB/topics/ownership/connec...
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