Ford Fiesta thief suspect charged with stealing 40 cars from train stations in Birmingham & Sandwell

A 21-year-old man has been charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles after more than 40 Ford Fiestas were stolen from train station car parks in Birmingham and Sandwell.

He appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, November 24) where he was remanded until his next court appearance.

This follows the arrest of a 22-year-old last week who was charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles, incorporating 62 thefts.

And on Monday (November 21) four people were arrested after the West MIdlands Police Vehicle Crime Taskforce Team intercepted a Ford Eco Sport being driven down the A45 after it had been stolen from a house in Cradley Heath. The car was spotted by the team in Sheldon and eventually brought to a stop.

A van that was also suspected of being involved in the theft was stopped nearby after being tracked by the police helicopter and eventually stopped using a stinger.

Police said that an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old teenage boy were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and going equipped.

While a 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of going equipped. Another 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of taking a vehicle without consent and document offences. All four were charged and released on bail to appear before Birmingham Magistrates Court next month.

How does the Vehicle Crime Taskforce work?

The Vehicle Crime Taskforce are able to act on emerging intelligence on crime patterns and suspects, step up patrols in hotspot areas and carry out targeted operations.

Officers explained that the 25 strong taskforce team has already closed down four suspected chop shops and is helping to improve the force’s stolen vehicle recovery rate, which is now double compared to this time last year.

On top of this, police said that they regularly run targeted operations against organised car thieves and speak to manufacturers about car security features to ensure they are fit for purpose and being prioritised.

To find out more about the team go to: West MIdlands Police Vehicle Crime Taskforce For security tips to help keep your vehicles safe, click here: West Midlands Police vehicle safety advice