Police in the West Midlands have issued a direct warning to owners of a specific vehicle following the arrest of a suspected car thief in Birmingham.
Arrest in Sparkhill after pursuit
On Tuesday, 24th December 2025, officers from the West Midlands Police Road Crime Team spotted a cloned and stolen Toyota RAV4 in the Moseley area of the city. The vehicle failed to stop, leading to a police pursuit.
The driver was subsequently arrested in the nearby district of Sparkhill. During the arrest, it was discovered that the man was also in possession of an offensive weapon.
Specific warning to motorists
Following the incident, police took to social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to issue a targeted security alert. The force's traffic unit posted a clear message aimed at owners of similar vehicles.
The post from West Midlands Police Traffic stated: "Road Crime Team officers saw this cloned & stolen Toyota RAV4 in Moseley before it made off & was pursued. The driver was arrested in Sparkhill where we found he was also in possession of an offensive weapon."
It concluded with a crucial piece of advice: "If you have a similar car, please use extra security devices."
What this means for vehicle owners
This incident highlights a continuing threat of vehicle crime, particularly for popular models like the Toyota RAV4 which can be targeted by thieves using cloning techniques to disguise stolen cars.
Police are urging owners not to rely on standard factory-fitted security alone. Recommended extra security measures can include:
- Steering wheel locks or disclocks.
- Pedal boxes or gearstick locks.
- Tracking devices.
- Driveway parking posts or bollards.
The arrest serves as a timely reminder for all motorists, especially during the festive period, to remain vigilant about their vehicle's security.
