New data shows the West Midlands has a worse car crime rate than London

The West Midlands has been named as the nation’s car crime capital, with the highest rate of thefts anywhere in the UK.

Latest figures for 2024 put our region at the top of the list when it comes to car crime, when region’s are adjusted for population.

It means the West Midlands has the most car thefts compared to how many people live there.

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There were a total of 7,694 vehicle thefts in the West Midlands last year, according to DVLA data analysed by WhatCar.

That equates to 2.64 offences for every 1,000 people in the region.

While London had a higher number of total offences with 14,106, its huge population meant its rate was lower at 1.58.

That means residents in the West Midlands are statistically more likely to be a victim of car crime.

The top five was completed by South Yorkshire (1.41), Essex (1.38) and Bristol (1.09).

Nationally, stolen cars included a £375,000 Ferrari Purosangue and a £270,000 Lamborghini Huracan.

BirminghamLive has reported extensively on the West Midlands’ car crime epidemic, with police chiefs stepping up measures to tackle in over the last couple of years.

The force recently revealed overall car crime was down in the region.

A Porsche super car was among more than 200 stolen vehicles recently seized from criminals in a £1.8 million crackdown.

Vehicle thefts surged by 35% in the West Midlands, from 11,990 incidents in 2021 to 16,232 in 2023. But WMP said new data showed offences were down more than 10% over the last 12 months.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “The rise in vehicle theft across the West Midlands is deeply concerning, and I’m committed to taking decisive action to protect our communities.

“The recent seizures are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers, and I’m confident that this increased focus will make a real difference in tackling this issue.”

Head of West Midlands Police’s Roads Policing Unit, Superintendent Gareth Mason, added: “We are seeing positive results from this increased investment and are determined to continue our efforts to drive down vehicle crime.”