Police offer advice after more than 340 people arrested for burglary and vehicle crime in January
Police have reported that morethan 340 people have been arrested and/or charged in connection with burglaries and theft in one month.
New West Midlands Police data has revealed that 346 arrests and 90 charges were made in the West Midlands in connection with offences such as burglary, theft of a motor vehicle and theft from a motor vehicle in January 2026.
It comes as new figures revealed a dip in the total reported crimes across the region, with an overall drop of 7 per cent, equalling nearly 22,000 fewer victims than the year prior.
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Home burglaries were also reported as being down by 20 per cent, with vehicle crime also seeing a reduction by 18 per cent.
However, despite the figures, police are still urging residents to be cautious in the darker nights, saying that historically, they often see a rise in burglars entering homes via the back doors, garages, and first-floor windows over the period.
During the frosty mornings, the force also warned that opportunistic thieves have driven off with cars that have been left alone, and left running with the keys in the ignition.
West Midlands Police have now offered a range of general advice to help prevent robberies and burglaries in the darker months, with the force saying 'protect your ride', and 'improve your home security'.
See the offered advice below:
Be aware of your surroundings: Whether you’re at home or out, remain alert to any suspicious activity and report it to the police via 101 or 999 in emergencies.
Deliver safely: Parcel thefts increase in the darker nights, so provide specific instructions for delivery drivers to leave packages in a secure location if you’re not at home. We encourage you to pick up parcels from a locker or newsagent's if you are provided with this option.
Look over your insurance policies: It’s important to regularly check and update your home and car insurance details to ensure all your valuables are covered in case of a burglary or theft.
You can help us reduce burglary and vehicle crime in your area by layering up your security and telling us what you know. If you spot a suspicious vehicle, or someone trying door handles on properties or cars, report it to us on 101.
