Football patrols as police target car cannibals

Car stripping is when part of a vehicle, like the bonnet, lights or grille, are removed

More police are being used to target criminals who are stripping cars of their parts while they are parked during football matches in Birmingham.

Regular patrols were taking place around the Birmingham City ground after officers have had concerns raised by fans, West Midlands Police said.

The force said several people had been charged in relation to car stripping over the past 18 months.

"We are doing all we can to bring those involved in car cannibalism to justice," said Sgt James Harbour.

"As well as patrols by our officers, we also regularly carry out warrants and enforcement action, targeting known vehicle crime hotspots."

He added if people saw anyone acting suspiciously near vehicles, crouching down or wearing masks, they should call 999.

Car cannibalism is when body parts such as bumpers, grilles, lights and bonnets are removed from vehicles, often within minutes.

In February, Blues fan Chris Pugh's car was stripped after he parked it on a residential road near the stadium.

Then in May, a visiting Norwich City fan had his car stripped while he was watching the football.

A BBC investigation in 2023 found cars parked in Birmingham city centre were stripped of parts in a spate of separate thefts.