Passed from pillar to post, it appears statements made by WMP and their crime commissioner were unsupportable, based on ‘gut feeling’.
an approach was made to WMP about a statement their Police & Crime commissioner made:
- ‘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’
- as you appear not to record the theft methodology, how has this statement justified?
18/07/2022, deemed not to be a valid request for information, WMP did add,
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.
This appeared odd, inconsistent with online statements. Therefore, the matter was represented, rephrased:
- Please provide the information giving rise to the statement:
- ‘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’
By way of assistance, the above was accompanied by the explanation WMP’s Crime Commissioner did not hold the information and referred me to WMP, who appeared to be their source, as was explained:
- 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’
26/07/2022, the WMP&CC was approached again:
WMPCC Reference: 2020-00255
I am seeking an IR. I again ask the source of your statement;
- ‘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’
WMP appear to have no knowledge of it – please see: whatdotheyknow.com
10/08/2022 further clarification was provided to WMP:
- I note statements attributed to WMP: www.independent.co.uk & news.sky.com 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.
- “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.
[Superintendent Jim Munro from West Midlands Police warned drivers to stay vigilant. “They’re [thieves] using devices in order to block signals where people are trying to lock their cars with their fobs”.
17/08/2022, WMP responded:
- 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, WMP responded:
Please would you provide a time frame for question 2 of your request.
31/08/2022, to WMP in response:
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 WMP response:
FOI Request Reference: 1145A
Thank you for your request for information, received 20/08/22 and clarified on 31/08/22
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.
The full exchange, the pulling of teeth to extract information can be found at WhatDoTheyKnow.com