Stolen Range Rover Crashes into London Law Firm

A Range Rover, allegedly stolen using keyless hacking technology, crashed into the premises of Moss Beachley & Mullum Solicitors in London's West End early Thursday morning. The vehicle was reportedly taken from a nearby residence in Wyndham Place, Marylebone, around 4:30 a.m. before colliding with the firm's metal fence.

A tow truck removed the damaged vehicle from the scene around 6 p.m. on Thursday. The car, described as an L322 model, sustained significant front-end damage, including a deployed airbag and a smashed windscreen, though no injuries were reported. Witnesses reported seeing parts of the engine dislodge during the removal process.

The owner stated that the car was stolen despite him retaining his keys, suggesting the use of sophisticated hacking techniques. Local shopkeepers first noticed the wrecked vehicle upon arriving for work that morning. The Metropolitan Police were unable to provide a comment on the incident.

This incident highlights a growing trend in vehicle theft, where sophisticated electronic methods are increasingly replacing traditional break-in techniques. The Metropolitan Police noted last year that three out of five vehicles are now stolen using such methods, exploiting vulnerabilities in modern keyless entry fobs. Luxury vehicles, including Range Rover Evoques, have been identified as particularly susceptible.

The theft and crash occur amidst a rise in vehicle burglaries in London. Recent incidents include the theft of a £165,000 Mercedes G-Wagon in Belgravia and a spree of thefts involving Volkswagen badges and sensors in South London. The United Kingdom recorded 129,700 stolen cars in 2024, averaging 355 thefts per day.