Weather forecasts are an essential guide to planning your day — from deciding whether to take a walk, drive somewhere, or bring in the laundry to avoid rain or snow. However, West Midlands Police have highlighted a disturbing trend where criminals closely monitor these forecasts to exploit icy and cold conditions for car thefts.
According to West Midlands Police, thieves are capitalizing on cold mornings when vehicle owners leave their cars warming up with the key in the ignition. These opportunistic criminals target unattended vehicles early in the day, especially those left outside homes, ready to steal high-value cars that are otherwise hard to break into due to advanced security systems.
A spokesperson for WMP explained, “Every year, vehicles are stolen from driveways and outside homes when owners leave them to warm up with the key in the ignition. Car thieves watch the weather forecast too and will be out early when conditions become icy.”
READ MORE: Major UK DIY Supplier Toolstream Enters Administration, 111 Jobs Lost
READ MORE: Chris Davies Urges Kyogo Furuhashi to Break Goal Drought at Birmingham City
The danger is heightened during the festive season, as thieves increasingly steal Christmas presents left inside cars. Recently, the police have noticed a surge in vehicle thefts in areas like Streetly and its surroundings.
Inspector Nazia Kauser, neighbourhood policing manager at Aldridge, shared, “There has been an increase in car thefts in the Streetly and surrounding areas recently. I have deployed my officers for high visibility patrols at night. We are also supported by our dedicated Road Crime Team and our Op Skybridge team, who work together to tackle this problem.”
She reassures the community that they are taking firm action to address these concerns. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. To report vehicle crime, call 101 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.