West Midlands car crime worse than London, statistics reveal
Break-ins, thefts and vandalism - motorists in the West Midlands are more likely to be a victim of car crime than anywhere else in the country.
Recorded vehicle offences in the region have risen 23 per cent from 2016 to last year, according to the Office of National Statistics.
It means 12.5 people in every 1,000 were victims of vehicle crime.
In London the rate is 11.7, Greater Manchester it is 11.1 and in West Yorkshire 10.9.
This week, the Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson described the increase in vehicle thefts as an 'epidemic'.
He believes the region is falling victim of organised gangs who steal the vehicles to sell-on abroad or be pulled apart for spares.
He is calling on car manufacturers to step up security and online companies such as Amazon to stop selling lock picking devices.
Today, Mr Jamieson also blamed a drop in funding to the police force, adding the 14 per cent overall rise in crime in the West Midlands was adding further pressure.
He said: "Despite the challenges faced, we are determined to get on with the job of keeping the people of the West Midlands safe.”
West Midlands Police Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe said: “We will continue to focus on the crimes that do the most harm to our communities.
"And we would urge members of the community to help us in our fight against crime and anti-social behaviour by reporting their concerns or suspicions so we can take action."
Vehicle crime also went up in Staffordshire, up 13 per cent. Across the county, 4.9 people out of every 1,000 were victims.
In January, nine Abarth 595s, a performance model of the Fiat 500 priced from £17,000, were stolen in the Black Country.
The thefts were raised publicly by victims, many of whom said their vehicles were taken without keys or smashed glass.
But the police, although highlighting the use of relay devices that push signals from electronic car keys to vehicles parked outside, did not link the crimes.
A spokesman added: He added: “To protect against this type of theft, owners can use an additional tested and Thatcham-approved steering lock to cover the entire steering wheel.
“We also recommend Thatcham-approved tracking solutions fitted to the vehicle.
“It is always worth speaking to a main dealer, to ensure that a car has had all the latest software updates and talk through security concerns with them."
