Local officers are stepping up their efforts to tackle vehicle crime following an increase over recent months in Cannock.  

Since 1 September last year, we have received more than 90 reports of vehicle thefts across Rugeley, Hednesford, Norton Canes, Etchinghill, Heath Hayes and Cannock. 

Officers have been working proactively to patrol hotspot locations and speak to those with high-value models in the area, along with ANPR enforcement and pursuit tactics to go after stolen vehicles when they are reported to us. 

We know how devastating this type of crime can be for people and we’re determined to take robust action against those responsible. 

We were called on Thursday (9 January) to Watling Street in Cannock when someone discovered their black Vauxhall Vectra had been taken at some point between 1 October 2024 and 5 January 2025. 

In another report on 4 January, we were told that a Ford Focus had been taken from the roadside on Marston Road, Cannock, at some point overnight. We later found it abandoned in the West Midlands area and contacted the victim to hand it back over.  

We’re actively investigating these reports and are continuing to work closely with our road crime team (RCT) to target vehicle thieves, no matter where they go.

Chief Inspector Matt Walker, from the Cannock local policing team (LPT), said: “We know that tackling vehicle crime is a key priority for lots of members of the local community. 

“While we recognise that figures are high in Cannock and other police forces across the county, we’d like to assure people that we have a range of tactics at our disposal to target the organised gangs responsible for thefts across the UK. 

“We’re working proactively to help people put preventative measures in place while also gathering intelligence against offenders and making sure we target them as effectively as possible.”

For detailed information on the steps you can take to better protect your vehicle, visit our website: Preventing car and vehicle theft | Crime Prevention | Staffordshire Police

To report a theft, call 101 or use Live Chat on our website. 

#OpVala forms part of our dedicated efforts in Cannock to relentlessly target vehicle thieves and to help local people protect their belongings from opportunists.