Households across the West Midlands are being urged to stay vigilant after police revealed a disturbing link between winter weather forecasts and a spike in vehicle crime.
Criminals Monitoring the Met Office
According to a new alert from West Midlands Police, offenders are actively checking weather predictions for cold snaps. Their goal is to identify the frosty mornings when residents are more likely to leave their cars unattended with the engine running to defrost.
A force spokesperson explained the trend: "Every year, vehicles are stolen from driveways and outside homes when owners leave them to warm up with the key in the ignition." They added, "Car thieves watch the weather forecast too and will be out early in the morning on the lookout for vehicles left unattended."
High-Value Vehicles a Prime Target
This method is particularly attractive to thieves targeting modern, high-specification cars. Advanced security systems on these vehicles make them difficult to steal unless the engine is already running and the key is present. By exploiting the few minutes an owner spends waiting indoors for their car to warm up, criminals can drive away with relative ease.
The warning comes amid a confirmed increase in offences in specific areas. Police have noted a recent surge in vehicle thefts from driveways in Streetly and nearby locations over the past week.
Festive Period Brings Added Risk
With Christmas approaching, officers have issued an additional caution. Thieves are not only after cars but also any Christmas presents or other valuable items left visible inside vehicles.
Inspector Nazia Kauser, neighbourhood policing manager for Aldridge, addressed the community's concerns: "There has been an increase in car thefts in the Streetly and surrounding areas recently." She outlined the police response, stating, "I have deployed my officers for high visibility patrols at night. We are supported by officers from our dedicated Road Crime Team and our Op Skybridge team and together we address the issues."
Inspector Kauser sought to reassure residents, confirming that proactive measures are being taken to combat the crime wave.
To report any vehicle crime, contact West Midlands Police on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
