Police have vowed to bring suspected car cannibals “to justice” by stepping up patrols in the city. The brummies are fed up after routinely finding their cars vandalized and broken into.
Brazen thieves decimate vehicles, sometimes in broad daylight, to sell auto parts for a quick buck. Crime appears to be on the rise, with car cannibals targeting Digbeth, the Jewelery Quarter and Harborne in recent weeks.
West Midlands Police said they received nine reports of scrapped cars in the city center in January, the majority in Digbeth.
Read more: Owner wakes up to find car so stripped down he doesn’t recognize it
Last month, a 29-year-old man was sentenced to 34 weeks in prison after being arrested for stealing cars in Birmingham. Police also arrested two boys, ages 17 and 15, in connection with attempted theft of motorcycles in downtown parking lots. The couple have since been released on bail under strict conditions.
The force said it regularly checks security cameras around Digbeth and other areas to gather information on suspected car cannibals. The number of police patrols has also increased.
Neighborhood inspector Christian Harrison said: “We do not underestimate how frustrating and upsetting it can be to have your car stolen or have parts taken from it. We are working hard to identify those involved and bring them to justice.”
“We are working closely with our partners throughout the city center, including car parking companies to improve car safety. In the coming weeks we will set up a ‘parking watch’ and actively encourage local businesses and residents to get involved.
“With your help and support, we can continue to tackle auto crime and bring car thieves to justice. If you see something that doesn’t feel right or have any information, please reach out via 101 or Live Chat via our website. “
Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.
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