Arrests made and chop shop raided following vehicle thefts across Black Country
Several arrests were made on Tuesday as well as chop shops shut down and stolen cars recovered following vehicle thefts in the Black Country.
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West Midlands Police officers were out and about since the early hours on Tuesday, arresting suspects of stolen vehicles across Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.
Six suspected car thieves between the ages of 18 and 29 are in custody along with a man arrested on suspicion of obstructing a police officer.
The suspected offenders are alleged to be involved in a number of vehicle thefts across Dudley, Sandwell, Birmingham, Telford and Staffordshire.
During one of the arrests, officers also recovered a stolen car in Wolverhampton. A black Land Rover was stolen from Raglan Street on the outskirts of the city centre at around 4pm.
The vehicle was tracked by the victim to an industrial estate off Watery Lane.
Officers attended and discovered a chop shop and the stolen Land Rover, which was recovered by officers.
Another vehicle was seen travelling away from the chop shop which officers pursued and stopped.
Three occupants, aged 20, 25 and 37 were detained on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle. The 37-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of class B drugs and the 20-year old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
They remain in custody for questioning.
Dudley Priority Crime Team Inspector Gavin Peever said: “We have seen an increase in “keyless” vehicle thefts across Dudley, Sandwell and Wolverhampton.
“However, we are running a targeted operation to identify suspects, gather intelligence and bring offenders to justice.
“We are also engaging with members of the public to offer crime prevention advice and give any tips that may help to deter criminals from stealing vehicles.
“Today, we have held a targeted day of action to disrupt those suspected of committing vehicle crime.
“A common tool thieves use is a relay device, which allows offenders to intercept the signal from a car key stored inside the address and transmit it making the car believe the key is being used and thus this unlocks and starts the vehicle.
“The best way to deter criminals from using this tactic is to keep your keys in a Faraday pouch which makes it more difficult for thieves to relay the signal.”
To read more tips and advice about how to protect your vehicle visit: Keeping vehicles safe | Crime prevention | West Midlands Police.
If you see any suspicious activity in your area call 101. Alternatively, to give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
