Key highlights
- Hyundai Exter stolen in 30 seconds
- Incident took place in Latur, Maharashtra
- Thieves unlocked the car in just 15 seconds
It was around 3 AM in Latur, Maharashtra, on October 27, 2026, when two unidentified men wearing masks came closer to a “safely” parked top-spec Exter. All it took them was a quick 15-second window to unlock, and an additional 15 seconds to start the Exter and drive it away, before anyone noticed.
This bizarre theft has shaken every Exter owner’s belief in their car’s anti-theft features like the central locking, engine immobiliser, burglar alarm, and whatnot. Reported at MIDC Police Station, Latur, Maharashtra, the investigation into this crime is ongoing, but the Exter being unlocked within 15 seconds has definitely become the headline of the nation.
While Hyundai packs every possible anti-theft feature on the Exter, this specific model that got stolen was a top-spec variant, as the sunroof, alloy wheels, and exterior trim is visible in the CCTV footage. With that said, the video shows two men with masks approaching the car and quickly unlocking it.
While they sat inside and started the car’s engine within the next 15 seconds, the anti-theft alarms and hazard lights went on, confirming that Exter’s anti-theft system does its job perfectly. However, the car getting unlocked so easily is definitely a serious issue.
While the investigation is ongoing, all we can do is suspect the probable causes. One possible outcome is already ruled out, i.e. Exter’s anti-theft features failing. The car’s system does its job. But, interestingly, the car getting unlocked seems to be done via a duplicate smart key.
Mind you, this specific variant is a top-spec, and it comes with the smart key with push-button start/stop. Therefore, a secret device is likely to have been used here that unlocked the car so quickly, and the thieves started it within 30 seconds before driving it away.
This theft is surely concerning. While the MIDC Police conduct their investigation, Exter owners need to be on alert nationwide.
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