Two men have been jailed after they stole high value cars including BMWs, Audis and Mercedes.

Aurimas Sarkis, 29, and Ignas Kisskiss, 37, stole 25 luxury vehicles between October and December 2025.

Police estimate the total value of the cars taken across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire to be more than £600,000. The men carried out the thefts using a technique known as relay attack, which enabled them to access the vehicles without a physical key.

Sarkis, (29), of Swallow Drive, Raunds, Northamptonshire and Kisskiss, (36), of Sisley Road, Barking, both appeared at St Albans Crown Court today (Wednesday 24 June), after pleading guilty to multiple counts of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles. Sarkis was jailed for four years and one month and Kisskiss was jailed for four years and 10 months.

Now police have given advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of a ‘relay attack.’

A relay attack involves one person standing near the car owner’s property and using specialist equipment to pick up the signal from the key fob.

This is then relayed to another device held by an accomplice positioned next to the car, allowing the doors to be unlocked and the engine started.

How to protect your keyless entry car

When at home keep your car key (and the spare) well away from the car.

Put the keys in a screened or signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag and check if the bag or pouch is still working every few months.

Reprogramme your keys if you buy a second hand car.

Turn off wireless signals on your fob when it's not being used.

Additional security such as locks and immobilisers are still highly recommended.

Detective Sergeant Chris Dale, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Crime Series Investigation Unit: “These two are prolific offenders who targeted high value cars, worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, across a wide area affecting many victims. They will now be subject to Proceeds of Crime legislation, to recover as much as possible to return to their victims. The judge also recommended both be deported upon completion of their sentences.

“Vehicle theft, particularly of high value keyless models, has been a prevalent crime across the county in recent years. This type of crime is often linked to organised crime groups, who use specialist equipment to steal vehicles in seconds.

“We are targeting these gangs, working with our partners in neighbouring forces and using ANPR technology to track criminals using the road networks making Hertfordshire a hostile environment for them to operate in. Owners can make their vehicles safer by following our advice, such as using an approved steering wheel lock and key fob signal blocking pouch when vehicles are not being used.”

Aamir Barrett from the Crown Prosecution Service said: “The impact of the organised crime committed by Sarkis and Kisskiss extended well beyond financial loss. Many victims had to find alternative means of transport, were forced to replace essential items like children’s buggies and, in one case, had to repurchase specialist equipment and medication for a disabled family member. “Our case was supported by evidence including automatic number plate recognition and phone data, as well as GPS data from a tag worn by Sarkis, which clearly linked both defendants to the offences. Faced with this evidence, they admitted their crimes.”