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Police make three separate arrests after stolen cars, balaclavas and tools found

Staffordshire Police have made three separate arrests in Cannock, Tamworth and Solihull after balaclavas, crow bars and stolen tools, as well as cars stolen from Lichfield and other areas, were recovered overnight.

The arrests follow an ongoing dedicated operation to tackle vehicle crime in the county, Operation Bormus, which continues to disrupt those stealing vehicles and committing related crime.

The first arrest was made in Norton Canes, Cannock on Tuesday 3rd January after a group of offenders tried to steal a Transit van.

After an unsuccessful attempt, the group drove away in a Mazda and officers were sent to look for them.

It was spotted in the Featherstone area and followed for a short distance into Wolverhampton where the two occupants got out and ran away. Police caught up to the driver and seized the vehicle at the scene.

They later found out that the Mazda was using cloned plates and had been stolen from Rugeley on 22nd December 2022. Police found balaclavas, crow bars and a number of suspected stolen tools inside.

A 17-year-old boy, of no-fixed-address, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, burglary dwelling and failing to stop a motor vehicle when required by a constable.

He remains in custody while inquiries continue.

It comes as police were called to an address in Dosthill, Tamworth on 29 October (2022) after an Audi SQ5 was stolen.

It was later recovered nearby and was seized for forensic testing.

Image from Operation Bormus via Staffordshire Police

On Wednesday 4th January, police searched an address in Tamworth and found a knuckleduster and a quantity of class A and B drugs.

An 18-year-old man, from Tamworth, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled drug of class A and B and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

He remains in custody while inquiries continue.

Finally, a man was also arrested in the Solihull area following recent car thefts in Lichfield and Tamworth.

A Ford was seen acting suspiciously in the Tamworth and Lichfield area on Friday (30 December 2022). 

A 31-year-old man, from Tamworth, was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to steal a motor vehicle.

He too remains in custody while inquiries continue.

Detective Inspector Pete Cooke, from CID, said: “It’s the start of a new year and we wanted to send a clear message to everyone that our commitment to tackling vehicle crime in Staffordshire remains a key priority.

“We’ve been working hard with our colleagues at West Midlands Police and dedicated units within the force to continue our efforts against those responsible.

“We’re hopeful that we can continue to achieve results into 2023 and ensure this criminality is dealt with robustly and proportionately.”

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