Harborne: Police catch car key burglar red handed - behind the wheel still on the drive

A car key burglar has been jailed after West Midlands Police caught him in the victim’s vehicle while still on the driveway.
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A car key burglar was caught red handed by police - still in the vehicle with the engine running, on the driveway at a property in Harborne

Anthony Bateman had smashed through the front door to force his way into the at 4.10am on December 30 last year.

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The elderly homeowner, a woman aged in her 70s, heard the noise and called police when she saw Bateman in her home.

She watched in horror as he grabed the keys to the Mercedes C Class on the drive in Metchley Lane.

Police were on the scene within minutes of the call and detained Bateman, who they discovered was drunk.

The 46-year-old, of no fixed address, had only been released from prison on licence earlier in the month.

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He pleaded guilty to burglary, and attempted theft of a motor vehicle, and was jailed for two years and five months at Birmingham Crown Court on Thursday (3 February).

Anthony Bateman caught red handed by West Midlands Police trying to steal a car from  driveway in HarborneAnthony Bateman caught red handed by West Midlands Police trying to steal a car from  driveway in Harborne
Anthony Bateman caught red handed by West Midlands Police trying to steal a car from driveway in Harborne

What have West Midlands Police said about the case?

DC Paul Jauncey, from force CID, said: "This was very distressing for the elderly victim who came across a stranger in her house.

"She managed to call us and officers arrived within minutes to find Bateman in the car with the engine running.

"They not only managed to prevent the car being stolen but from him driving while under the influence and putting others at risk.

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"We know the impact of vehicle crime on our communities and we’re working hard as a force to crackdown on this and arrest offenders."

How common are car thefts in the West Midlands?

Police said they arrested more than 2,300 suspected car thieves and recovered over 1,000 stolen vehicles last year as part of their drive to stop car thieves.

The crackdown by the force includes a dedicated offensive against thieves and gangs who break into homes.

This is called Operation Cantil and sees traffic officers carry out intelligence-led patrols across the region.

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Is there any advice on stopping car thieves targeting my home?

For more information on how to protect your home – including anti-snap locks – check out the UK Police approved website by clicking on: Secured by Design

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