Stealing a Mercedes will be more difficult from now on

Car theft is on the increase. This is borne out by the figures from the many trade associations and companies specialising in anti-theft devices, which produce very detailed reports every year on where and when most thefts occur.

But how can this phenomenon be avoided as much as possible? By equipping yourself with a good anti-theft device, capable of constantly monitoring your car's surroundings and autonomously contacting the police if necessary. Mercedes has developed the new Guard 360° package for just this purpose. Here's how it works.

Closed circuit surveillance

Presented on 11 December in Rome, the new Guard 360° system developed by Mercedes combines the experience gained over the years in developing the German manufacturer's anti-theft system, which has always been an essential accessory for anyone buying a car from the Stuttgart-based manufacturer, with the effectiveness of the latest generation 360° camera system that all of the brand's new generation cars can be equipped with. 

To go into more detail, the new system developed by Mercedes includes an anti-theft alarm system, anti-disassembly protection with an optical and acoustic warning signal if a change of position is detected, volumetric protection of the passenger compartment with an alarm if movement is detected inside the car, and theft notification with detection of parking damage.

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As planned, from 2024 everything will be enhanced by the 360° camera parking pack which, as well as being a very useful accessory for parking manoeuvres, is able, in the event of a break-in, vandalism or impact by other road users, to automatically take five photos around the car, storing them as possible documentary evidence.

In fact, the Guard 360° system means that several dashcams are always active around the car, avoiding after-sales installations with non-original wiring.

The Mercedes 360-degree camera system

Photo by: Mercedes-Benz

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At the presentation of the system in Rome, Sebastian Guayacan, Product Manager Digital Extras, Charging & EVA2 of Mercedes-Benz Italy, commented: 

"Thanks to this system of devices, in addition to the anti-theft function with volumetric protection of the passenger compartment, anti-moving protection and audible alarm in the event of a collision or break-in, an alert is automatically sent to the owner's smartphone, via the Mercedes-Benz app, with a theft report."

"In this case, following the appropriate authentication procedures, the alarm call is transferred to the authorised service partner, Vodafone Automotive, which transmits the car's location data directly to the police."

"Investigations can then begin immediately, increasing the chances of getting the car back into the hands of its rightful owner quickly. For security reasons and in order not to interfere with police operations, once the procedure has started, all location functions visible to the customer via the app are inhibited."

Prices and availability of the system may vary from one model to another. To find out more, visit your local dealer.

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