Stolen $165,000 Jaguar XFR found abandoned on street

CCTV footage shows a man who the car retailers believe is behind the high-tech heist walking on to the car lot at 2.55pm. Photo / Supplied

The $165,000 Jaguar stolen in a movie-like broad daylight heist has been found abandoned on a suburban Auckland street.

Police confirmed the silver Jaguar XFR - stolen in a brazen daylight heist from a luxury car yard and using a device that overrode its keyless technology - was found in Sunny Hills last night.

"It looks like it was abandoned on the side of the road," said the police spokeswoman.

The car reportedly had its sunroof open and the number plates missing.

Police were investigating after the car was allegedly stolen from Beacham Independent Jaguar and Range Rover dealership in Penrose, Auckland, on Monday afternoon.

CCTV footage shows a man who the car retailers believe is behind the high-tech heist walking on to the car lot at 2.55pm with his hand in his pocket, before somehow unlocking the car and driving off.

Waitemata Police car crime expert Detective Sergeant Callum McNeil said it was not the first time luxury, late model European cars had been targeted by thieves.

"Generally they have broken in and stolen the keys from the dealers, but the technology is now available. We have seen it in the UK and even in Australia and now we are starting to get it here where offenders have access to the technology."

CCTV footage shows a man who the car retailers believe is behind the high-tech heist walking on to the car lot at 2.55pm. Photo / Supplied

However, due to New Zealand's size it was hard for the stolen vehicles - that stand out on the roads - to be moved.

"New Zealand is such a small country they are not going to be able to offload that vehicle here, it's going to be too hot.

Mr McNeil said the other high-end cars stolen were all recovered.

Manager of the car yard it was stolen from, Andrew Beacham, said it was like something out of the movieGone in 60 Seconds.

"...and it was actually 60 seconds. He walked up and a minute later the car had gone," he said.

Mr Beacham said the car was locked and the dealership still had its keys.

"The car was locked and we can confirm that because the CCTV shows it with its wing mirrors folded. He's walked up to the car and has got in, and driven away."

The man was not known to the dealership, and his ability to override the robust security systems had left staff baffled.