08/09/2022 – a response (below) to a request of WMP … it took a while to elicit a response, some of the exchanges leading up to the final statement are as follows:
26/07/2022 to WMP:
I asked for the information giving rise to the statement about increased car theft:
- ‘The introduction of keyless technology has also led to the dramatic increase’ & use of ‘technology to get around the onboard electronic security systems, such as copying digital keys or using devices to stop a car from locking’
I did so because, as you appear not to record the theft methodology, such a statement appeared unsupportable.
You have responded:
‘However, in order to assist, I can advise that as the statement was not
made by WMP we would be unable to fulfil this enquiry should you submit it
as a new request.’
I am aware the statement originates from the West Midlands Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. Having approached your PCC, 16/06/2022 about the above statement they responded:
‘This view is information West Midlands Police may hold and has advised the Police and Crime Commissioner on. In order to be of assistance, please see the following contact details should you wish to submit this question to West Midlands Police’
It appears I must return to your PCC
10/08/2022 clarification for the WMP:
I note statements attributed to WMP:
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/cr… and
https://news.sky.com/story/cars-being-st…
such as
“They’re [thieves] using devices in order to block signals where people are trying to lock their cars with their fobs,” he said.
I am seeking the information linked to the methodology, that supports the above statement and similar. I remain at a loss to understand how the above is considered accurate if, as appears to be the case, WMP do not record the theft means and is unable to provide information to me about this.
17/08/2022 from WMP:
It is unclear from your e-mail correspondence below what it is that you require from the FOI Unit.
Should you wish to submit a FOI request, please advise what specific recorded information it is that you require and also the time parameters that your request covers.
Please note that, as previously advised, the FOI Unit will not cross reference links, articles, documents and/or previous requests to try and interpret what an applicant is asking for.
I hope that this is of assistance
No further action has been taken
20/08/2022 to WMP:
Superintendent Jim Munro from West Midlands Police said:
“They’re [thieves] using devices in order to block signals where people are trying to lock their cars with their fobs,”
- What information does WMP possess to support this?
- What percentage of thefts are taken by this means?
Kindly supply this information, the material used to support such a statement (or similar).
20/08/2022 from WMP:
In order to be able to respond to your request I require further information from you. Please would you provide a time frame for question 2 of your request:
31/08/2022 to WMP:
Whilst i thank you for your acknowledgement, the time frame cannot be known to me as the statement is that of Superintendent Jim Munro from West Midlands Police:
- “They’re [thieves] using devices in order to block signals where people are trying to lock their cars with their fobs,”
I have asked to be supplied, with the material used to support such a statement (or similar). I cannot know when it applies but assume it to be recent i.e. within the past year.
Therefore, the time frame appears an irrelevant aspect, which will be disclosed in the response, the past 5 years should cover the recent statements (above).
08/09/2022 response from WMP:
REQUEST
Superintendent Jim Munro from West Midlands Police said:
- “They’re [thieves] using devices in order to block signals where people are trying to lock their cars with their fobs,” .
- Kindly supply this information, the material used to support such a statement (or similar).
1• What information does WMP possess to support this?
RESPONSE
There is no specific recorded information held that we can supply to you in a material format however, in order to assist, we can advise that the statement was supported by the recovery of devices following arrests and information provided to, or known by, the police.
2• What percentage of thefts are taken by this means?
RESPONSE
No specific recorded information held.
Comment:
the reference to ‘recovery of devices’ appeared odd. Meeting notes suggested these were not held by the WMP. Furthermore, had many such devices been retried or, assuming some had, was it just the odd one i.e. insufficient to indicate this was a widespread issue?
Source of above statement – WDTK
