West Brom Fan's Car Stripped by 'Motor Cannibals' After Match
A football fan has described returning to his car after a match to find it stripped by 'motor cannibals' in a scene of devastation he compared to a Hollywood movie.
West Bromwich Albion supporter Mike Bird, 54, from Wythall, attended the game against Charlton Athletic at The Hawthorns with his two teenage sons on February 24.
After a 1-1 draw, which saw head coach Eric Ramsey sacked, Mike returned to his 2023 Toyota Corolla parked on Mornington Road in Smethwick to discover it had been torn apart.
Father Feels 'Let Down' by Club
Mike, a season ticket holder, said he felt 'let down' by West Bromwich Albion after the incident, despite the car not being parked on club property.
He told local media: "I expected West Brom to support me better over this issue. You put so much money into the club, and when something bad happens, it's p***ed me off."
"I wrote to the club because I felt they had a duty of care. I've written multiple times and always get a standard response."
Mike suggested the club could offer a gesture like a £20 voucher for the club shop to his sons, adding that the experience has been upsetting and put them off football.
Car Likely a Write-Off
With his car still at a garage and no response from his insurer, Mike expects it will be written off. The vehicle had its window smashed and was extensively damaged.
He described the scene: "It looked like something out of Ghostbusters. What if we had left early and I came round the corner to find three men working on my car?"
The incident bears similarities to cases involving Birmingham City fans who found cars stripped after a game last December.
Police Investigation Underway
West Midlands Police are investigating the theft, which occurred between 7pm and 8pm on February 24.
A spokesperson said: "We are investigating after parts were stripped from a vehicle parked on Mornington Road, Smethwick, on February 24 between 7pm and 8pm."
"Anyone with any information is asked to contact us via Live Chat or call 101 quoting 20/159013/26."
West Bromwich Albion were approached for comment but have not yet responded publicly to the incident.
