Man accused of posing as car buyer and stealing vehicles while on test drives in and around Birmingham

A man has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a dozen cars after posing as a potential car buyer and taking the vehicles for test drives in and around Birmingham.

Cars advertised for sale were taken from unsuspecting owners either during, or following, test drives across Birmingham, Solihull and Wolverhampton. The series of vehicle thefts have been going on since the start of December.

On a number of occasions the vehicle owner has been contacted shortly afterwards claiming their car would be returned for cash.

West Midlands Police’ specialist Taskforce have carried out extensive enquiries and yesterday morning (19 January) detained a 22-year-old from Hall Green on suspicion of vehicle thefts. He remains in police custody for questioning.

West Midlands Police said: “We remain committed to driving down vehicle crime across the West Midlands. We understand the frustration and inconvenience it causes.

“We will look to act on intelligence we receive and you can contact us with information via Live Chat here on West Midlands Police website.”