Thieves crash stolen SUV into Sydney CBD Fendi store, flee with luxury handbags in second stolen car

A stolen SUV was used to smash into a high-end retail store where tens of thousands of dollars of handbags were taken. Cops are probing whether the keyless entry systems of cars were compromised.

An SUV drove through the window of the Fendi store at in the CBD. Picture: Rory Williams

A brazen ram raid in the heart of Sydney has reignited concerns over a rise in vehicle thefts involving keyless entry technology, with police investigating whether stolen cars used in the crime may have been compromised using electronic devices.

About 3.45am on Wednesday, a Lexus SUV was driven into the front of a luxury retailer on the corner of Elizabeth and MarketSt.

The group of offenders fled with armfuls of high-end Fendi bags, some worth up to $5740, before escaping in a white BMW wagonand a grey Audi hatchback.

All three vehicles were confirmed stolen. Police said the Lexus was taken from Waterloo on Tuesday, while the BMW and Audiwere allegedly stolen from a Kingsford home overnight.

The damaged Lexus was abandoned at the scene, with officers seizing several items from inside.

The Fendi ram raid comes amid growing concern about a spike in “keyless” car thefts, with police warning gangs are increasinglyexploiting vehicles with push-start ignition systems.

The NSW Police Financial Crimes Squad launched Strike Force in October 2024 to investigate a spate of vehicle thefts involvingelectronic reprogramming devices. Three people have been charged to date.

An SUV drove through the window of the Fendi store at the intersection of Elizabeth and Market Street at 3.45am. Pictured Detectives and forensic officers combed the scene. Picture Rory Williams.,

Luxury bags were grabbed before the group fled the scene. Picture: Rory Williams.,

The devices, sold legally for use in certain trades like mechanics, can override a vehicle’s on-board security system.

The Daily Telegraph’s Motoring Editor David McCowan said “computer systems control just about every element of modern vehicles”.

“It leaves cars vulnerable to criminals who have moved on from traditional tools to digital devices capable of defeating immobilisers,smart keys, and other security features.”

“An old-school steering lock available for less than $50 could be enough to make thieves think twice about pinching your car.”

Officers seized multiple items from a Lexus SUV used to ram the high-end store at the corner of Market st and Elizabeth st. , , Police allege the group fled in a white BMW and a grey Audi hatchback, leaving behind the Lexus, which had been reported stolen from Waterloo on Tuesday.

According to the latest BOCSAR report, vehicle theft in NSW has jumped more than 15 per cent in the last seven years, from13,014 in 2018 to 15,002 in the 12 months to March 2025.

Greater Sydney alone accounted for 7383 thefts, with hotspots including Parramatta (967), Inner South West (893), Blacktown (719), and

The City and Inner South region (712), where Wednesday’s raid occurred, recorded a 51.9 per cent spike in motor vehicle theftsover the past two years.

Tens of thousands of dollars worth of Luxury handbags were stolen Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Police on the scene after the smash and grab. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

In regional NSW, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie recorded 1205 thefts over a 12 month period, followed by the Hunter Valley (914) and Richmond-Tweed (820).

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Originally published as Thieves crash stolen SUV into Sydney CBD Fendi store, flee with luxury handbags in second stolen car