蜜芽传媒

Paul Mason from Eckington, Worcestershire, had his BMW stolen from his driveway, despite having a security camera and a steering lock.

He says the loss of his dream car has left him feel like moving home.

In the past four years there's been more than a 70% rise in the number of cars being stolen from outside people's homes in West Mercia, with less than 5% of cases leading to someone being charged with the offence.

2024 in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire saw more than 1700 vehicles were taken, with many never recovered.

Alistair Binney reports.

In a statement, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: 'I鈥檓 reassured by proactive policing and recent results, but enforcement alone isn鈥檛 enough. I鈥檝e long urged car manufacturers to address vulnerabilities in car technology that criminals can so easily override.'
听
Chief Inspector Charlie Parker, West Mercia Police's lead for vehicle crime, said: 'We do not underestimate the impact that vehicle crime has on victims. The theft of a motor vehicle can cause significant financial harm and emotional distress. In recent months, officers have made countless arrests, sought charges, recovered stolen vehicles and seen offenders through to court where they have been put behind bars for vehicle related crimes. We recognise that there are still offenders to stop and victims to help, and we are not complacent, we will continue to respond robustly to reports of vehicle thefts.'

Image shows still from CCTV for an additional theft in Worcestershire.

Show less