As part of the move towards self driving (autonomous) cars, most new vehicles in the last few years have had factory fitted sensors, radar and / or cameras. These vehicles offer e.g. lane assist and automatic braking, examples being Mercedes Benz Pilot, Tesla Autopilot and Ford BlueCruise. Recent Japanese and Korean cars, also most German cars, are equipped with these features which are either embedded, or in  some cases can be switched off via a sub menu. In a few years, full driving autonomy will be offered as AI and sophisticated algorithms improve.

At present, many cars have sensors and cameras fitted in vulnerable external positions. They can be stolen and resold on the black market. In East Sheen and South West London more generally there has been an epidemic recently of radar sensors being stolen. They are expensive to replace (£1,500 and upwards) as the sensors have to be recalibrated by a main dealer. Even run of the mill vehicles such as the VWGolf Mk VII, a very popular car, are vulnerable.

Theft is difficult to prevent until these valuable items are factory mounted in areas difficult to access. Some car manufacturers have done this already but many vehicles remain relatively easy to steal from.