More than 200 stolen cars recovered in police crackdown in West Midlands
The Police and Crime Commissioner is investing five-figures into the problem.
The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner has called vehicle theft in the West Midlands a "serious challenge in recent years".
Vehicle thefts have risen by 35% in the West Midlands, from 11,990 incidents in 2021 to 16,232 in 2023.
How is vehicle crime being tackled in the West Midlands?
Simon Foster has made a five-figure investment to tackle the crime which he said is an escalating problem.
The funding will go towards more officers in the roads crime team, which Simon Foster hopes will allow for further seizures of stolen vehicles.
More than 200 stolen cars have been seized by the force since May 2024.
The combined value of the stolen cars recovered is estimated to be worth around £1.8 million, according to the Police and Crime Commissioner.
"There is a worry young people can be criminally exploited to get involved"
Simon Foster said recent crime stats show to him that vehicle crime is starting to get under control:
"I hold the Chief Constable and West Midlands Police to account to make sure they are doing all they can to tackle crime in the West Midlands.
"Vehicle theft is very distressing for the person impacted. It also costs insurance companies millions of pounds.
"There is a worry that young people can be criminally exploited to get involved in this type of crime.
"The amount of vehicles we have seized is sending a strong message out to organised crime groups that vehicle crime will not be tolerated in the West Midlands," he said.
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