300 stolen vehicles worth £3m recovered in 'super-charged crackdown' on car crime

Operation Vantor is a dedicated initiative launched by the West Midlands Police in May 2024 to combat a sharp spike in vehicle thefts across the region.

The operation launched after data revealed a 35 per cent rise in cars being stolen between 2021 and 2023.

However, since the operation was launched last year, car crime in the West Midlands has dropped by more than 10 per cent, with officers saying that the work 'highlighted' the crucial and ongoing work by dedicated officers.

In January, PCC Simon Foster made a five-figure investment to support the force's efforts to detect and reduce vehicle thefts in the region.

Across a 34-day period, the funding helped to recover 58 stolen cars with a combined market value of over £1m, which included a high-profile Porsche 911 GT3, worth around £140,000. 

Talking about the campaign, PCC Simon Foster said: "Operation Vantor exemplifies my commitment to drive down vehicle crime and to protect our communities.

“The results achieved by the team, demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted operations and the importance of continued investment in crime prevention and detection initiatives."

The team also conducted targeted patrols in high-risk areas and worked with law enforcement agencies, as well as engaging with the community to help stem the vehicle thefts. 

Superintendent Gareth Mason, head of the roads policing unit at West Midlands Police, said: "The work carried out by Operation Vantor is crucial in our efforts to combat vehicle theft. 

"The recovery of these stolen vehicles not only disrupts criminal activity but also provides reassurance to the public that we are actively working to keep our roads safe."