Rogue buyers use key scam to steal Mercedes from Northampton

Police are alerting private car sellers to a scam which has already cost at least one Northampton driver his wheels.

A plush silver Mercedes went missing after it was advertised for sale.

Two rogue buyers turned up to view the vehicle but craftily swapped the electronic key-fob for a fake one.

Northamptonshire Neighbourhood Sergeant Nick Paul warned: "Anyone selling a car, particularly at the higher end of the market, is advised to watch out if a potential buyer asks to check the keys.

"Thieves show an interest in buying vehicles that are advertised for sale on AutoTrader and other local selling pages.

"Whilst examining the car, they ask to look at the spare keys. they then distract the seller and swap the spare keys for a fake set, which they return to the seller."

The Silver Mercedes Benz E250 AMG was stolen from Hangerfield Court in the Lings area of the town on January 22 after the vehicle had been advertised for sale.

The Mercedes had an electronic fob with a metal key which could be used manually in case of electronic failure. But the seller later discovered the remote key would not operate and was not the one handed over to the buyer.

Sgt Paul added: "This is a very clever scam in which rogue buyers remove a set of keys and replace them with another set. The offenders then leave with the functioning set, planning to return to steal the vehicle.

"Please don’t be conned in this way and don’t hand over keys to an unknown person, instead demonstrate how they work yourself.

"If you have any suspicions about the legitimacy of a would-be purchaser please follow your instincts, keep hold of your property and call the Police

"If you have any information in relation to anyone involved in vehicle crime, please contact us on 101. You can also provide confidential information should you wish to remain anonymous. These calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or click www.crimestoppers-uk.org on the web."