Statistics released by the Home Office show that the West Midlands have had the highest rates of car theft in England and Wales the year of 2025-26.
Home Office data shows that vehicle theft are up by 50% in England and Wales. With charts showing that per 1,000 people in the West Midlands area, there were 4.4 offences with only 2.2% of the offences resulting in the offenders being charged or summoned. In comparison the average in England and Wales is 1.9.
These thefts are particularly prominent in Wolverhampton where residents are showing more concerns surrounding their safety. One resident commented “He had to have all the locks changed, it cost him a fortune and he was the victim.” Another resident “Cars are gone in seconds, it’s a dangerous business.”
To counter the rise in thefts, West Midlands Police have released an article on their website giving out tips to help prevent this from happening. Sam from a local car dealership, Ideal Car Centre, commented on the situation. “The cars that are being targeted, we’re trying to to stay away from them, to be honest.” He also gave tips on how to lower chances of your car being stolen “If I have a keyless car, I always go to an immobiliser, that’s probably the best security device on the market.”
The most recent recorded example of this in the Wolverhampton area was just 12 days ago on October 2nd where the West Midlands Police arrested six men aged between 22 and 48 who remain in custody while the investigation continues.
We fully upset the upset, frustration and impact of car crime and will continue to take action.
West Midlands Police
