A super-charged car crime crackdown funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster, has resulted in the recovery of almost 300 stolen vehicles worth more than £3 million.
Operation Vantor, a dedicated initiative by West Midlands Police, first commenced in May 2024 to combat a spike in vehicle thefts across the West Midlands, with data showing a 35 per cent rise in cars being stolen between 2021 (11,990) and 2023 (16,232).
However, since Operation Vantor launched last year, car crime in the region has reduced by more than 10 per cent, highlighting the crucial and ongoing work that’s being undertaken by dedicated officers.
In January, PCC Simon Foster made a five-figure investment to support West Midlands Police’s efforts to detect and reduce vehicle thefts and to ensure safety and security for people, families and businesses locally.
Across a 35-day period, the PCC’s funding boost directly resulted in the recovery of 58 stolen cars. The combined market value of the vehicles was over £1 million, which included a high-profile Porsche 911 GT3 valued at £140,000.
Expressing his commitment to detect and reduce vehicle crime in the West Midlands, PCC Simon Foster said: “Operation Vantor exemplifies my commitment to drive down vehicle crime and to protect our communities.
“The results achieved by the team, demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted operations and the importance of continued investment in crime prevention and detection initiatives.”
Officers continue to use a range of tactics to track, identify and recover stolen vehicles. This includes the use of advanced surveillance technology, such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems.
The team also conduct targeted patrols in high-risk areas and collaborate closely with other law enforcement agencies, to share intelligence and resources. Additionally, community engagement continues to play a crucial role, with officers working to raise awareness about vehicle theft prevention and encouraging the public to report suspicious activities.
Superintendent Gareth Mason, Head of the Roads Policing Unit at West Midlands Police, praised the recent success of the operation. He said: “The work carried out by Operation Vantor is crucial in our efforts to combat vehicle theft. The recovery of these stolen vehicles not only disrupts criminal activity but also provides reassurance to the public that we are actively working to keep our roads safe.”
For advice about keeping vehicles safe, follow West Midlands Police’s nine-point guide here.
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