Crime

[Happycamper]

Has anybody had their Marco Polo broken into, vandalised or stolen? I’ve parked mine on our quiet street in London since buying it new a year ago and it’s been left alone so far, touch wood. Presumably these are such specialist vehicles it would be unattractive for a thief, but who knows. Maybe a steering lock makes sense. And presumably, being low to the ground, the catalytic converter (diesel equivalent) is relatively inaccessible? Interested to know your experiences or views fellow campers.

 

[Happycamper]

Well I spoke too soon. Last week we discovered somebody got in and rifled through the glovebox, leaving the contents strewn about the floor. No damage caused and nothing stolen (not that there was much of value except sunglasses maybe) but we cannot work out how they got in without setting off the alarm. The vehicle was definitely locked and I had no notification otherwise from the MercedesMe app. Mysterious and worrying.

 

[SteveR]

Maybe technology. These days it is relatively easy to capture your remote signal from your key and replicate it - Not much you can really do aside from maybe fitting deadlocks - sorry to hear your news though

 

[BabaJen]

Well I spoke too soon. Last week we discovered somebody got in and rifled through the glovebox, leaving the contents strewn about the floor. No damage caused and nothing stolen (not that there was much of value except sunglasses maybe) but we cannot work out how they got in without setting off the alarm. The vehicle was definitely locked and I had no notification otherwise from the MercedesMe app. Mysterious and worrying.

Maybe technology. These days it is relatively easy to capture your remote signal from your key and replicate it - Not much you can really do aside from maybe fitting deadlocks - sorry to hear your news though

Are the MP's keyless technology?

Horrible that some scumbags will want to do that. The good news is no damage done. We had someone on the Sister forum who, after violently breaking in, the hero's then slashed the seats and torched the vehicle.

There is a history of Cali's being stolen, not as rife as range rovers and BM's,nor as easily as transit based vehicles, but they are desirable as anything of value is.

Mine is parked on an open drive. I've never had an issue but hate saying that. Most on the Sister forum have not. It is still rare but always a problem. Some have resorted to bear locks, pedal locks etc: Claymore mines would be desirable but would mess up the insides if they went off.

Sorry to hear of your experience. It is sickening.

 

[SteveR]

Not keyless - but your remote is..... well, remote. Replicate the signal and you can unlock the vehicle for a rummage around

 

[Happycamper]

Thanks for your thoughts. We’ve realised these were professionals who definitely wanted to steal the vehicle. They had no interest whatsoever in the contents but rummaged through the glovebox hoping to find a spare key (derr...as if!) or maybe the V5, with which maybe they could(?) source a new key and come back later. The heater remote device had been taken out of its plastic packaging and left on the floor when it obviously wouldn’t fit the ignition. Henceforth we’re keeping our keys well away from the front door and in a tin box to block the signal. Plus, I’m getting a steering lock. Advise other owners to do likewise.

 

[Steve B]

This is a hot topic for my other vehicle, a defender, they are extremely vulnerable. Trackers plus some form of pedal lock are the favoured approach. With the keys in the house (not the issue for the LR as they are easy to take); an alternative though is not to hide the keys but make them relatively easy to find, so if thieves do break in they don't get desperate and go for the occupants to get the key. Even if you manage to get the better of the thief you could end up on the wrong end of the law for physical or emotional damage to them (a whole other topic!)

 

[Brian Drought]

No need for a metal box. It's not keyless and can't be opened by a relay attack. The key isn't 'broadcasting'.