West Midlands Police are still investigating a spate of carjackings which are believed to have involved the same gang in Solihull. Read their full statement below:
West Midlands residents are being called upon to help try and identify the gang members, and also be on high alert to avoid being the next target.
The violent robbers have struck three times – including twice on the same day while armed with a crowbar – since the start of July.
A man in his 50s was pushed to the floor and punched as his white Audi RS3 was stolen on Stratford Road at around 3pm on Tuesday (14 July).
He had been confronted by three masked men at a petrol station forecourt and they made off in his car. They had pulled up in a black VW Golf, on false plates, which was driven by a fourth member of the group.
The VW Golf had been stolen after a carjacking in Beauchamp Road at around 10.30am the same day (14 July).
A man in his 70s was approached by three men in balaclavas who had pulled up in a white Audi A1 driven by an accomplice. After taking the keys to the man’s vehicle they made off in both cars.
In another robbery, a woman in her 30s was knocked to the floor as her black BMW X5 was taken from Silhill Hall Road at around 3.20pm on 3 July. The offenders had again been dropped off in another vehicle, this time a silver VW Golf, and made off in convoy.
We’re appealing for anyone with information about who may have been involved to get in touch as soon as possible.
DC Amrit Nepaul, from Force CID in Solihull, said: “This was a terrifying situation for the victims to be faced with.
“These men were not afraid to use violence to get what they wanted. The victims were left in fear of what would happen to them.
“The Audi RS3 stolen on Tuesday has since been recovered but we need to trace these men to stop them striking again.
“We’re following lines of enquiry but if you’ve heard anything, or know whose involved, we need you to contact us as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact us via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk, via 101, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Quote 20SH/164245E/20.