The West Midlands is the car theft capital of the UK, new figures show

In 2022, there were 419 motor vehicle theft offences per 100,000 people in the West Midlands, according to the website MoneyBarn which has analysed government data.

This is more than any other area in the country, with the second place spot going to London which only had 278 offences per 100,000 people.

The West Midlands also had the highest proportion of interferences with vehicles in 2022, which refers to someone tampering with a car, internal and external car parts, or the contents of a car.

There were 163 of these offences per 100,000 people, with London once again in second place, with 125 offences per 100,000 people.

Furthermore, the region ranks as second in the country for the number of thefts from vehicles, with 519 offences occurring per 100,000 people.

These figures show the dizzying scale of car crime in the West Midlands and the need for action to tackle it.

Addressing the statistics, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “Vehicle crime is a significant problem in our region and across the country.

“That is why I have been and will continue to hold West Midlands Police to account, to ensure they prioritise the issue. As a result, it is a force tactical priority and two dedicated vehicle crime task forces have been established, to go after organised criminals who steal vehicles.

“The force has also been closing down illegal garages, known as chop shops, that dismantle stolen cars so they can be sold for parts.

“I have also been campaigning for manufacturers to play their part and improve vehicle security, so a teenager can’t make off with a car in under 60 seconds, whilst people are asleep in their beds at night.”

West Midlands Police have also been contacted for comment in regards to the statistics.