A serial burglar and car thief has been jailed for a month-long crime spree in the Black Country. Brad Arnold, 29, targeted vehicles and homes in Dudley in June 2025, causing misery for motorists and householders.
Crime Spree Begins
Arnold's crimes started on Monday, June 2, when he smashed the window of a Mini Cooper on Clifford Street, stealing a bag from inside and running off. He repeated the crime on a different car in Dudley town centre on Thursday, June 12, stealing headphones, a laptop, and clothing.
Burglary While Victim Slept
Emboldened, Arnold struck at a home in Churchfield Street on Saturday, June 28, while a householder slept. The victim awoke to find his car stolen; an upstairs window left open was further ajar, and his car keys from beside his bed were missing.
He then stole a bank card from a car on Kitchener Road and used it at a service station in Dixons Green.
Final Burglary and Threat
His final crime was another burglary at an address off St John's Road on Monday, June 30. He broke in just after 5.10am, began searching the property, demanded a woman hand over her bag, stole £600, and fled.
Investigation and Arrest
West Midlands Police's Dudley Neighbourhood Crime officers conducted a detailed investigation, working with each victim and checking CCTV. Footage showed Arnold carrying out some crimes wearing the same clothes and driving the stolen vehicle. He was arrested on Thursday, July 17.
Arnold admitted to burglary dwelling and theft, two counts of theft of motor vehicle, three counts of theft from a motor vehicle, fraud by false representation, and driving while disqualified and with no insurance. He appeared at Telford Crown Court on Monday, April 20, where he was jailed for three years and two months.
Police Statement
Det Con Nev Payton, of Dudley's Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: 'Arnold showed no remorse for his crimes and continued to target innocent people, scaring victims in their own homes, making them feel unsafe, stealing cars and items, and outright lying when using victims' bank cards.'
'Officers and staff from across the Dudley teams worked together and thanks to everyone's efforts we were able to link all the crimes back to him and get justice for the victims. I hope this result and knowing that Arnold will now serve time for his crimes will give them some peace. We'll always do everything we can to arrest and put those targeting our communities and innocent people before the courts.'
