Vehicle thefts in West Midlands rise in just three years

There were 5,930 crimes last year – up 43 per cent from 4,161 in 2013.

The figures have been revealed following a Freedom of Information request to police forces by the RAC.

The region’s Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said the increase in vehicle thefts was worrying – and he has urged West Midlands Police to issue a ‘robust response’.

Mr Jamieson said: “The rise in vehicle thefts is concerning, it shows that crime is rising not falling as the Government insists.

“I have been raising this issue with West Midlands Police to ensure a more robust response and I raised it with the Policing Minister last week too.

“In addition to recruiting officers to tackle crimes, I have called on leading manufacturers to bring in measures to protect their vehicles from theft.

“As well as tough police action, it is important manufacturers take responsibility to ensure their vehicles are much more difficult to steal.

“Manufacturers are failing in their duties to protect their customers.

“The manufacturers should face up to their responsibilities and ensure the expensive vehicles they sell are not as vulnerable to hacking and theft.

“Many of the vehicles have long warranties, manufacturers should ensure vehicles are protected for the life of the vehicles they sell.”

Staffordshire saw the number of vehicle thefts increase from 1,100 in 2013 to 1,180 in 2016, a seven per cent increase.

Meanwhile, West Mercia Police saw the numbers rise by 26 per cent, from 291 to 368. Across the country, responses from 40 forces revealed 85,688 vehicles were stolen last year, up 30 per cent from 65,783 in 2013.

RAC insurance director Mark Godfrey said the rise reverses a general trend of vehicle thefts decreasing since around 2002.

He said: “We fear thieves are now becoming more and more well equipped with technology capable of defeating car manufacturers’ anti-theft systems.

“This is bad news for motorists as it has the effect of causing insurance premiums to rise at a time when they are already being pushed up by a variety of factors, not least the recent change to the discount rate for life-changing personal injury compensation claims and the rises in insurance premium tax.”

Mr Godfrey said a number of motorists are resorting to using anti-theft devices which were popular in the 1980s and early 1990s such as steering wheel locks.

“They are still a very effective visible deterrent,” he added. Police in Warwickshire reported the largest percentage increase in stolen vehicles from 2013 to 2016, up 189 per cent. This was followed by Hampshire (59 per cent), West Yorkshire (57 per cent) and Norfolk (56 per cent).

According to the Office for National Statistics, 71 per cent of all vehicle-theft occurs during the week and the night is popular time, with 43 per cent occurring during this period of the day.

Shockingly, 43 per cent of all vehicle-related theft occur because drives do not adequately lock their doors.

West Midlands Police have issued advice in Wolverhampton in recent weeks in a bid to tackle burglars breaking into homes with the intention of stealing a car. This said: “Offenders are now seeking to steal cars by burgling houses and obtaining the car keys.

“Wolverhampton Police are taking a number of steps to prevent this type of crime, including increased patrols in the affected areas and investigation any information we received from the community.

“You can also help by being vigilant. During the day be on the lookout for any unusual individuals or vehicles in your street, particularly if they appear to be paying attention to a house where a desirable car is parked, whether or not the car is there at the time.

“Similarly, late at night be on the lookout for unusual activity. Owners of high value or desirable cars are advised to take extra precautions.”