Council supports police plans to reduce car theft in West Midlands

A Birmingham councillor has backed measures to deal with an increase in vehicle thefts.

There were over 2,300 suspected car thefts and a recovery of more than 1,000 stolen vehicles in Birmingham last year according to West Midlands Police.

Vehicle theft in the region has increased by more than a third in the last year and has almost quadrupled since 2015.

Operation Cantil was launched by West Midlands Police with the aim of targeting car thieves and gangs that break into homes to steal car keys.

Acocks Green councillor Ninna Makrinov said: “We are looking to tackle vehicle crime by working with the police and crime commission to put extra community officers on the streets as this is a growing concern for people.”

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “This targeted operation against organised car thieves is producing great results for the people of West Midlands.

“We need manufactures to look again at car security features to ensure they are a top priority and fit for purpose.”

The council are also working on reducing youth crime in Birmingham.

West Midlands Police reported 590 incidents of serious youth crime per month last year.

“The plan is to work closely with youth centres all around Birmingham with events and programmes dedicated to keeping young people away from crime,” said Makrinov.

“This is part of the councils plan to create a cleaner and safer Birmingham.”