Football supporters have been left devastated after finding their cars stripped and decimated by thieves
A shredded car outside St Andrew’s stadium (Image: David Salliss )
Police have launched an investigation after brazen thieves stripped football fans’ cars parked near St Andrew’s stadium.
The so-called ‘car cannibals’ struck during Birmingham City’s 1-1 draw against Southampton on Monday, December 29.
One victim, Blues fan David Salliss, had parked his Peugeot 208 on Trinity Terrace.
When he returned after the match – which he said was marred by bad refereeing decisions – the dad discovered the family car had been decimated, with its bonnet and bumper missing.
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Shockingly, it came almost two years to the day after his wife’s car – also a Peugeot – was stripped outside the ground on Boxing Day 2023.
The 58-year-old warned supporters to “be careful” when parking near the stadium.
He previously told BirminghamLive that an officer who attended the scene had told him that the car thieves are “rapid”, adding they could be in a “Formula 1 pit stop team” because of how quickly they can strip vehicles for parts and quick cash.
Mr Salliss said he was “frustrated” and urged police to step up patrols in surrounding streets.
Southampton fan Steve Ridgley has also warned fans to be vigilant.
Sharing his friend’s ordeal on social media platform X, he wrote: “Mate’s car stripped during Birmingham Southampton match – Garrison Street near St Andrew’s.
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“Football fans visiting St Andrews, do not park your car around this street.”
The thefts happened just hours after West Midlands Police said officers would be patrolling streets around the ground in a bid to crackdown on vehicle crime.
The force confirmed it has launched an investigation into the thefts.
A force 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.
“We take this type of crime extremely seriously as we don’t underestimate the impact it has on vehicle owners.
“Our dedicated operation to tackle it, in partnership with Birmingham City, is continuing on matchdays as we patrol key areas and target offenders.
“We’re grateful to fans for their support and would continue to ask them to report any instances of vehicle crime so we can further develop our patrol plan.
“If you see anyone acting suspiciously near a vehicle, call 999 straight away.
“Where possible we’d advise drivers to park in safe and well-lit areas, following the latest safe parking advice on our website.”