Three suspected vehicle thieves arrested after stolen car recovered

Three suspected vehicle thieves have been arrested after a stolen car was found as our efforts to disrupt vehicle theft continue across Staffordshire.

At 11.40pm yesterday (Monday 22 April), we got a call after a group of men were seen taking a BMW from a driveway near Longton Road, Barlaston.

Some of the group drove away in the stolen car, whilst others drove away in a Honda Civic.

We immediately started work to track both of the cars in the area. Specialist officers from roads policing and a dog unit spotted both of them being driven towards Stoke-on-Trent.

The stolen BMW drove on the wrong side of the A34 in an attempt to escape. It was later found abandoned and has been seized for forensic examination. 

We also stopped the Honda and arrested three people:

• A 21-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of burglary, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, dangerous driving, drug driving, failing to stop, driving without a license and insurance, possession of a class B drug and criminal damage.

• A 27-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of burglary, vehicle theft and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place

• A 19-year-old man, from Stoke-on-Trent, on suspicion of burglary, vehicle theft, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, attempting to possess a class A drug and possession with intent to supply a class B drug

All three are being questioned in custody today (23 April).

Since we launched our crackdown on vehicle theft across Staffordshire, we have arrested more than 120 suspects and charged more than 50 with offences.

Vehicle thieves can work alone but can also be part of wider organised crime groups who steal the vehicles for the purpose of selling them for profit.

We’re working proactively to gather intelligence, protect people’s belongings and take down those responsible for this criminality across the county. This includes working with regional police forces to track down offenders, no matter where they go.

To read more about what we’ve been doing, visit: More than 120 arrests and 50 charged – here’s what we’re doing to tackle vehicle theft | Staffordshire Police