COVENTRY MESSAGE BOARD

Police are warning car owners to be vigilant with the rise in vehicle crime

Officers are asking members of the public to be vigilant as carjackings in the city have considerably risen this month alone.

Vehicle crime has increased in the last two years, but in Coventry alone, there have been 32 carjackings since the start of the month.

There are concerns a spiralling demand for car parts is fuelling a rise in vehicle crime, including car key burglaries and violent carjackings.

Three people - aged, 16, 17 and 23 - who were arrested this month in separate incidents on suspicion of robbery, have been released while enquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant Lisa Jones from the force CID team, said: “As a force we are committed to tackling organised vehicle crime from all angles and have introduced short and long term measures to reduce the problem.

“Since 2018, dedicated specialist burglary and robbery teams have been set up to investigate these crimes and apprehend those responsible.

“I am asking the people of Coventry to be careful following a significant rise in the number of carjackings this month.

"Be mindful of the people around you when you stop at traffic and when you park up.

“If you see any suspicious behaviour, please let us know, no matter how small it may seem."

Two boys among three new arrests over Coventry car-jacking spree

Following a series of carjackings in Coventry, police have arrested a further three people.

Two men aged 17 and 20, who were arrested on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy to steal have been released on police bail.

A 16-year-old boy from Coventry, who can’t be named for legal reasons has been charged with burglary and robbery.

He has been remanded at court to appear at a later date.

Three people - aged, 16, 17 and 23 - who were arrested this month in separate incidents on suspicion of robbery, have been released while enquiries continue.

Officers are asking members of the public to be vigilant after there have been 37 carjackings reported in Coventry since the beginning of March.