Four suspected vehicle thieves were arrested today (11 February) – including a teenager thought to be linked to an armed carjacking – as West Midlands Police pledged to keep the pressure on criminals.

The 16-year-old, from Newtown, was detained when officers swooped on an address in the Stratford-upon-Avon area at 7am.

He is wanted for questioning about an armed carjacking on 7 February in which two robbers drove off in a VW Golf from Allesley Road, Olton, having threatened the driver.

An 18-year-old man was also arrested at the address on suspicion of involvement in a burglary in Kineton Lane, Hockley Heath, where an Audi S1 was stolen by offenders who smashed open a door to steal keys.

Earlier this morning, at around 2.30am, West Midlands Police cops pursued a white Ford Fiesta after it made off in Glendover Avenue, Coventry.

The driver rammed their patrol car as officers tried to corner him in Woodcraft Close before the Fiesta crashed in Torrington Avenue.

A man bolted from the car but a West Midlands Police dog handler tracked the suspect to a nearby railway bridge where he was arrested. The car was found to be running on false plates and is understood to have been stolen from Berkswell Road, Longford, on 23 January.

And at 8am today a 17-year-old male from the Stoke area of Coventry was arrested from his home address over a burglary on 4 February in Jackers Road, Longford, when thieves forced entry to a house and stole a Citroen van.

All four remain in police custody for questioning this afternoon.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Ingram from Force CID in Solihull, said: “It’s a great result to bring in four suspected vehicle thieves – including some wanted over violent robberies and burglaries – in the space of a few hours.

“We’ve seen an upturn in car key burglaries and vehicle robberies, but we’re responding with targeted patrols around the region by Central Motorway Police Group officers, who are using intelligence and on-board CCTV cameras to catch and bring offenders to justice.”

In January, the operation had netted almost 1,000 suspects in the last five months − and has led to the recovery of almost 600 stolen vehicles.

Residents are warned of what is described as a ‘security company scam’ operating in the Kenilworth area where a telephone call is received by householders. The caller purports to be from a Security Company and may state that they are endorsed by Warwickshire Police and/or West Midlands Police. The caller then seeks to make an appointment with the householder to review security at the householders property.
Householders are advised that Warwickshire Police, in common with all other police forces, DO NOT endorse any companies, including so-called security companies.

It is believed these calls are a scam and householders are advised NOT to provide any personal details or agree to any appointments. Simply end the telephone call.

If you know or care for anyone who may live on their own and/or may be vulnerable please make sure they are advised and check if they have received any such calls.

Anyone with any concerns should contact Warwickshire Police on 101

Please be aware that a number of individuals were around Kenilworth on Tuesday 12 February 2019 door knocking and trying to sell items. The activity went on until approximately 21.00hrs.

Police attended several reports and checked out some of the individuals doing the door knocking. No offences were detected but the door knockers left the town after intervention by the police.

Residents are advised to think carefully before opening their door, particularly after dark, if they are not expecting a caller. We further advise that if in any doubt householders should not open or answer their door to any unexpected callers

Please be aware that a dog has attacked sheep this morning on land near to Castle Road, Kenilworth. The injuries and suffering sustained by one of the sheep caused it to have be put down.

 
This event serves as a reminder to all dog owners that is their responsibility to ensure that their dogs are kept on a lead when in or adjacent to fields or enclosures where livestock are present.

 

Please be aware that Farmers/Livestock owners are permitted to take immediate action against any animal, including dogs, that are worrying or causing distress to livestock.

 
This refers to incident 117 of 11 February 2019

 
If you see or notice a stray dog please call the Dog Warden at Warwick District Council on 01926 456734

On Thursday 7 February 2019, as a result of routine patrols in and around Kenilworth, two males were arrested by Warwickshire Police and have been subsequently charged with drugs offences. The individuals will be appearing before court in due course.