Watch: suspected car thief found hiding in an Erdington back garden

Here is the moment police arrest a suspected car thief who was hiding in a back garden in Erdington.

The night vision images, filmed by the police Drones team, show the 19-year-old man, from Handsworth Wood, being detained.

He was found hiding in a back garden on Witton Lodge Road at 3.30am this morning (Sunday 20 February).

Police dogs Stavros and Snow can be seen helping officers safely make the arrest which came after a 30-minute, high speed pursuit through Birmingham.

The 19-year-old man remains in custody this afternoon. Police said he will be questioned later today.

Two women aged 18 and 19 were detained near to the abandoned car but they were not arrested.

Their details have been taken and they will form part of the ongoing investigation.

The car was removed for a detailed forensic examination that will help us identify the thief.

What have West Midlands Police said about the incident in their own words?

Officers said: “Just before 2.15am, we spotted a Ford Fiesta that had been stolen off a driveway in Stockland Green 24 hours earlier.

“The driver led our skilled officers on a pursuit that reached 70 miles per hour, before abandoning the car on Broom Hill Road and running through gardens.

“Our Drone team and police dogs were called in to help officers search for the driver.

“Minutes later, a teenager was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of motor vehicle, failing to stop for police and driving without insurance.

“All of our officers are working hard to stop car crime and to arrest those responsible. You can play your part by following these security tips.”

If you know who is responsible for stealing cars, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 – you may be entitled to a reward.

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.