Police have launched an urgent investigation after a gang of brazen thieves, known as 'car cannibals', targeted football fans' vehicles parked near St Andrew's Knighthead Park stadium.
Matchday Mayhem for Blues Supporters
The criminals struck during Birmingham City's 1-1 Championship draw against Southampton on Monday, December 29. Supporters returned to their cars after the final whistle to find vehicles had been ruthlessly stripped of parts, with bumpers and bonnets missing.
One victim, Blues fan David Salliss, had parked his Peugeot 208 on Trinity Terrace. He returned to find it decimated. Shockingly, this incident occurred almost two years to the day after his wife's Peugeot was similarly stripped outside the ground on Boxing Day 2023.
Southampton supporter Steve Ridgley joined Mr Salliss in warning others. He took to social media platform X to share his friend's ordeal, posting: "Mate's car stripped during Birmingham Southampton match - Garrison Street near St Andrew's."
Police Patrols Failed to Deter Thieves
The thefts are particularly galling as they happened just hours after West Midlands Police announced that officers would be patrolling streets around the stadium to crack down on vehicle crime. The force has confirmed a dedicated investigation is now underway.
A police spokesperson told BirminghamLive: "We're investigating after parts were stripped from vehicles parked near St. Andrews Knighthead Park during the Birmingham City v Southampton match on Monday, December 29." They emphasised the seriousness of the crime, adding: "We take this type of crime extremely seriously as we don't underestimate the impact it has on vehicle owners."
The force states it has dedicated teams to tackle vehicle crime and that officers will continue matchday patrols around the ground.
Fans Urged to Stay Vigilant
These 'car cannibals' operate by swiftly stripping specific, high-demand parts from targeted models to sell for quick cash. The brazen nature of the crimes, carried out in busy areas on matchdays, has alarmed the local community and fanbase.
Authorities are urging all supporters attending events at the stadium to be extra cautious. Victims of this crime should contact police by calling 101. However, if anyone is seen acting suspiciously near a vehicle, the public is advised to call 999 immediately.
