Audi Q7 Stolen from Driveway in Karlsruhe: Police Investigate

In a troubling incident that occurred in the Karlsruhe-Palmbach area, an Audi Q7 was stolen from a residential driveway during the night of February 11 to 12, 2025. The vehicle, valued at approximately EUR50,000, had been securely parked and locked on the owner's property between 7 PM and 7 AM.

Authorities suspect that the thieves exploited the car's Keyless-Go feature to facilitate the theft, allowing them to drive away undetected. This incident is part of a worrying trend, as a similar theft involving a Mercedes with a Keyless-Go system occurred recently in Pfinztal-Wöschbach, where a suspect was apprehended by Czech police shortly after the vehicle was stolen.

The Criminal Police of Karlsruhe have taken over the investigation and are appealing to the public for assistance. Witnesses or individuals who noticed any suspicious activity in the Palmbach area are encouraged to contact the police at 0721 666-5555.

In light of this incident, authorities have provided several recommendations on how vehicle owners can protect themselves from such thefts. Keyless-Go systems, which allow drivers to unlock their vehicles without removing the key fob from their pockets, have become a target for criminals. Thieves often employ signal relay techniques, extending the range of the key fob's signal to trick the vehicle into believing the key is nearby.

To mitigate the risk of theft, vehicle owners are advised to store their key fobs away from doors or windows, and consider using signal-blocking pouches or cases to shield the key's signal. Testing the shielding effectiveness by attempting to unlock the vehicle while the key fob is in the protective case is also recommended.

Additionally, individuals should remain vigilant for unusual behavior in their vicinity, particularly if they notice people acting suspiciously while carrying briefcases or bags, as these individuals may be professionals engaged in automotive theft.

Owners are also encouraged to consult their vehicle manufacturers about temporarily disabling the Keyless-Go feature, where possible. Some models allow users to deactivate this function by pressing the lock button twice on the key fob. Automotive specialists may also provide tailored advice on enhancing the security of specific vehicle models.

As the investigation continues, the local community is reminded to stay alert and take proactive measures to safeguard their vehicles, especially those equipped with advanced keyless entry systems.