A prolific car thief from Dudley has been sentenced to prison for his involvement in a large-scale conspiracy to steal vehicles across the Black Country. Keltonjay Martin, 24, was part of a group that stole more than a dozen cars worth over £400,000 between April and May 2023.
How the thefts were carried out
Martin would film himself discussing the vehicles he planned to steal and communicated with others in a group chat to offer the cars for sale. He conducted reconnaissance at locations before returning to steal the vehicles. After the thefts, he took photos and videos of the cars and offered them in the group chat.
Police investigation
Detectives identified Martin through CCTV footage and digital forensic work. Officers found videos on his phone where he discussed vehicles he intended to steal. In one clip, pointing at a black SUV, he said: "I'll house burgle that." He was arrested in June 2023, and his vehicle was seized. Examinations revealed it had been stolen and modified.
Martin, of Swancote Road, Dudley, was charged with conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and pleaded guilty in February. He was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison on Monday, April 27.
Police statement
Sergeant Matt Price of West Midlands Police said: "Martin was prolific in stealing people's cars across the Black Country, using multiple methods. Thankfully, following investigative work and help from the community, we were able to identify Martin as the offender and lock him up. Martin has now been jailed after causing distress to victims. We understand how inconvenient and distressing vehicle crime is, and how it can prevent people from carrying out their daily life."
