who believes in fate? two weeks ago, we reported on the remarkable increase of hi-tech car theft. Last week, I ended up being the most recent victim.
It was a textbook case. My test vehicle was parked up overnight on my driveway in a peaceful suburban area of North London. The next morning it was gone. I still had the keys; it had just vanished. With a tracking gadget on the car, I instantly called the maker’s On phone call service, which I’d subscribed to, to see if it might be traced or immobilised.
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• car thefts leap 30 per cent in three years
The chap on the line was extremely sympathetic, however explained I would requirement to speak to the authorities very first before he might do anything. So that’s who I called next, to be told that only the “investigating officers” might speak to the On phone call service as well as that they’d phone me back. This they did; seven hours later.
By that stage, the vehicle was most likely on its method out of the country. whatever about the theft smacked of it being a ‘pro’ job. The culprits had just hacked the keyless go entry system as well as driven off, with the vehicle obviously “invisible” to the tracking company.
But what truly jolted me was my second conversation with the police, which lasted a simple five minutes. I was asked a few cursory concerns as well as then told: “We won’t be able to examine this further.” It felt like the supreme box-ticking exercise.
Surprised, I talked to a copper acquaintance of mine, who stated this was par for the course. “We no longer offer a service to the public,” he told me. “We are so far behind the curve we’ve ended up being a reaction service only. If the public weren’t so apathetic to what’s going on they’d realise we’re sleepwalking into a lawless society.” An apocalyptic vision indeed.
I’m told my vehicle is now likely on its method to Africa or Eastern Europe. That’s shocking enough. however it’s the laid-back acceptance of its fate that will be my long lasting perception of the whole sorry episode.
Have you experienced a similar vehicle theft? tell us about your experience in the comments area…