26/05/2022 – an approach was made to the WMPCC for data about vehicle theft methodology, the keyless taking activity seemingly being blamed for increased incidence of vehicle stealing – they held no information. Read more here. However, they suggested the WMP be approached:
02/09/2022- a further request of the WMPCC and again ‘no information held’ – read more here.
08/09/2022 – ultimately, a response to a request from WMP, their Crime Commissioner having suggested they may hold information. They do not. Read more here about the request and responses.
02/08/2023 – Birmingham Mail reported: ‘Huge rise in car thefts in the West Midlands as criminals winning the battle‘ adding ‘Advancements in keyless technology have given crooks the upper hand and left car owners vulnerable.’
Yet from where they learned this, what evidence there is to support it is unknown. It was reported ‘Car crime has soared across the West Midlands since before the pandemic, as shock new data showed a rise of almost 50% in the number of vehicles being nicked over the last three years’.
Seemingly the the taskforce ‘spearheaded’ by the WMPCC failed to have an impact. Instead the figures provided are:
- 2019 – 8,444 thefts
- 2022 – 12,429 thefts
However, whilst it is reported ‘Advancements in keyless technology over recent years have proved a headache for cops and given the crooks the upper hand, making it easier for them to steal vehicles‘, no evidence is provided to support this. Neither WMPCC or WMP appear to have anything more than anecdotal information, neither being able to provide the percentage of vehicles taken by keyless, security-bypass, means.
06/2024 … ‘form a squad’ – a new VCT?
