Scavengers strip vehicles in car parks

A spate of car engine thefts has taken place in Birmingham

Cars are being stripped of parts while parked in Birmingham city centre. A number of motorists have reported the theft of major elements of their vehicles after a woman’s car was targeted while she attended a concert in Digbeth.

Police say so-called ‘car cannibalism’ is on the increase amid a growing shortage of car parts.

The BBC has learned of nine similar incidents in the Digbeth area during January.

West Midlands Police said an 18-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of theft in January, but bailed with conditions while inquires continue.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We’ve stepped up patrols around car parks in Digbeth after a number of vehicles have been stripped of parts. We received nine reports during January and we know the inconvenience and frustration this causes for car owners.”

The spokesperson said officers were also working with cadets to offer crime prevention advice.

In December, West Midlands Police said officers had arrested more than 100 suspected car criminals within three months in a crackdown on vehicle crime.

A specialist vehicle crime task- force was set up in September, involving officers with local knowledge.

Work has included operations to close down so-called chop shops, which act as a market for car thieves.

In autumn last year, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said it was aware of a number of car part thefts in the West Midlands and Scotland.