A Birmingham father has been left furious after returning from a football match to find his wife's car had been ripped apart by thieves, the third such incident reported in a shocking crime spree near St Andrew's stadium.
Match Day Turns to Misery for Blues Fans
Ant Page, a 55-year-old Birmingham City season ticket holder, parked his wife's Peugeot 5008 on Landor Street ahead of the Blues' 1-1 draw against Southampton on Monday, 29 December. He chose the spot to ensure a shorter walk for his 85-year-old neighbour.
Upon returning after the game, he discovered the vehicle had been decimated by so-called 'car cannibals'. The thieves had stolen the bumper, headlights, and windscreen wipers, leaving the family car in pieces.
"It's my wife's car and she's a childminder. So we're in a bit of a pickle," Mr Page told local media, describing the situation as deeply "annoying".
A Pattern of Thefts and Broken Promises
This incident was not isolated. During the same match, at least two other vehicles were targeted and stripped of parts near the football ground. The stolen components are believed to be sold on for quick cash.
Mr Page expressed significant disappointment with the police response, noting a distinct lack of patrols in the surrounding streets despite assurances. "You don't see police around there," he said. "You only see them up at the ground."
This failure is particularly galling as West Midlands Police had stated officers would be present around the ground on matchday to crack down on vehicle crime.
History Repeats for Another Victim
Another victim, Blues supporter David Salliss, 58, found his Peugeot 208 on Trinity Terrace had been stripped of its bumper and bonnet after the match. Shockingly, this theft came almost two years to the day after his wife's Peugeot was similarly cannibalised outside the stadium on Boxing Day 2023.
Mr Salliss urged fellow fans "to be careful" and echoed calls for increased police patrols in the residential streets around St Andrew's.
The warning was amplified by Southampton fan Steve Ridgley, who took to social media platform X to share his friend's ordeal. He posted: "Mate's car stripped during Birmingham Southampton match - Garrison Street near St Andrew's. Football fans visiting St Andrews, do not park your car around this street."
Police Response and Safety Advice
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police confirmed an investigation is underway: "We're investigating after parts were stripped from vehicles parked near St Andrews Knighthead Park during the Birmingham City v Southampton match on Monday, December 29."
The force emphasised they take this crime "extremely seriously" and have a dedicated operation in partnership with Birmingham City Football Club, which includes patrols on matchdays.
They advised drivers to take the following precautions:
- Park in safe, well-lit areas where possible.
- Follow the latest safe parking advice on the police website.
- Report any suspicious activity near vehicles immediately by calling 999.
- Report all instances of vehicle crime to help develop patrol plans.
The series of thefts has left a community of football fans feeling vulnerable and calling for more visible action to protect their property on future match days.
