Gang From Yorkshire Steals Cars With A High-Tech Game Boy

With all the data leaks and supposed audio-listening capabilities of gadgets, the hesitation toward unregulated technology is a source of unwanted anxiety, especially when hackers start stealing cars using much available gaming tech. This happened when a gang steals cars with a gadget that looked like a Nintendo Game Boy to open and steal five SUVs.

Gang Steals Cars with Gadget: A Modded Game Boy

The thieves were identified as Dylan Armer, Christopher Bowes, and Thomas Poulson. They were caught stealing five Mitsubishi Outlanders using what seemed to be a modded Game Boy to steal the vehicles. The gadget was used to bypass the cars’ security systems. This allowed the thieves to secure the stolen vehicles in mere seconds.

While no further details were provided as to the modifications of the Nintendo Game Boy, Police say that the device is reported to cost 20,000 Pounds. The five vehicles amounted to 180,000 pounds. It was quite a massive profit if they hadn’t been caught. 

This is the first time the police have encountered such a device in West Yorkshire.

The device, which looks like an ordinary Nintendo Game Boy, was used to trick keyless entry security systems on cars. It was used by the local gang between June 28 and July 21.

Eventual Arrest

They were, however, arrested on July 20. This comes after the fifth Mitsubishi Outland worth 40,000 pounds was stolen from a driveway of a house in Scholes, Leeds. Investigations led the police to CCTV footage of the men unplugging a Mitsubishi Outlander from its charging hub. The men then used the device to unlock and start the car. 

It was even seen that as they reversed away, they had knocked down a drainpipe and damaged another vehicle parked behind it. This alleged footage became vital to having the thieves arrested. After the police were called, details of the suspects’ car, a Ford Galaxy, and the vehicle they had just stolen were passed on. 

Armed police later swooped in and had the three men arrested. Officers from Leeds District Crime Team searched the Ford Galaxy. Then, they found the high-tech car theft device hidden in a concealed compartment within the vehicle. It was then examined and identified to have been used to unlock and steal the Mitsubishi Outlanders. 

Court Proceedings

Prosecutor Ayman Khokar, speaking at the Leeds Crown Court, identified Bowes as the driver for the thieving heists. At the same time, Poulson operated the modded Game Boy device, with Armer driving the stolen vehicles away. The court also heard a video on Poulson’s phone, with him using the gadget to unlock and start a car. The video is said to have been accompanied by a commentary in mocking tones that suggested an utter disregard for their victims. 

The footage also demonstrated how quickly and easily the gadget gave them full access to the vehicles. A detailed investigation, including CCTV and mobile phone data, all linked the trio to the thefts of the Outlanders.

Four of the stolen cars were later recovered. Plus, one of the thieves, Dylan Armer, also admitted to three non-dwelling burglaries in September 2020. The Leeds District police officers have been commended for the impressive and sophisticated police operation, which has led to justice being served on this high-tech car theft gang.

Armer was jailed for two and a half years while Poulson and Bowes were each handed a 22-month prison sentence and suspended for two years. For now, West Yorkshire won’t have to worry about a gang that steals cars with a gadget.

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