The availability of recovery vehicles at inexpensive second hand prices is thought to be behind an outbreak of crime in certain areas around Birmingham in the UK. It is believed the owners of rogue recovery trucks are stealing cars off the street, from driveways and car parks.

Sergeant Mick Wennen, from Dudley Police said, “These people are mainly targeting cars of lower value, over ten years old, which are parked up on drives, large car parks or outside houses, and have been left unattended.” He added, “They are just pulling up, loading the car and simply driving off. Neighbours would probably assume that the owners have arranged for the car to go into the garage and so normally the offenders go unchallenged.”

It is thought that the offenders are selling the cars on to unscrupulous scrap dealers who are paying them cash for the metal. Police in the area have urged people to report any suspicious tow truck activity.