A man, 20, was held in Kitts Green on suspicion of conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles, which relate to six incidents in Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield

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A 'car cannibal' suspect has been arrested as police probe cases of six cars being stripped of parts. It comes after recent vehicle cannibalisation crimes in the Jewellery Quarter and Sutton Coldfield.

West Midlands Police said they raided an address in the Kitts Green area of Birmingham in the early hours of this morning, Wednesday, February 15. A man initially fled the scene and jumped over a garden fence.

The force's drones team were on hand to carry out an aerial search, but he eventually returned. A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles which relate to six incidents in Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield.

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The suspect remains in police custody for questioning. Several car parts have also been recovered, which will be forensically analysed to try and trace the vehicles they have come from. It comes after Citroens, Toyotas, Peugeots were shredded by cannibals as the growing epidemic sweeps across the West Midlands in recent weeks.

Detective Superintendent Jim Munro, from the Vehicle Crime Taskforce team, said: “Our dedicated Vehicle Crime Taskforce remain committed to arresting those involved in vehicle crime including the handling of stolen cars and car parts.

"We do not underestimate the impact this crime has on people’s lives and are working hard to bring these offenders to justice. We always act on information from the public. If something doesn’t feel right, get in touch because your information does make a difference.”

Anyone with any information should contact police via LiveChat on their website or by calling 101. Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Tell them what you know, not who you are.

Tips for vehicle owners: • Park in a well-lit area, ideally covered by CCTV and registered with a Park Mark scheme • Make sure your car alarm is activated when you leave the vehicle. Lock it, Check it. • Use any security devices available, such as locking wheel nuts, a disklok • Speak to your local dealership about settings and security upgrades available • Take a look at our vehicle crime prevention page – Stealer Street

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