To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Drivers Warned Of New Spate Of Crimes Involving 'Corsa Cannibals'

Drivers Warned Of New Spate Of Crimes Involving 'Corsa Cannibals'

Thieves remove parts from the cars, and sometimes even smash the passenger window to get access to the bonnet.

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

The Vauxhall Corsa has become an unlikely target in a new spate of crimes involving 'Corsa Cannibals', which has seen many parked vehicles stripped of their bonnets and headlights.

According to the Sun, thieves remove parts from the cars, and sometimes even smash the passenger window to get access to the bonnet.

Birmingham and its surrounding region has become a particular hotspot for the wave of crime, with police in the area saying that seven Corsas have been targeted in Solihull in the last week alone.

One driver from Shard End also said that she had become a victim of the Corsa Cannibals.

The woman, who has asked not to be named, said: "There is a new crime hitting the Midlands. It happened to me and it's happening all the time and becoming more common.

"Thieves strip the whole front on Corsas and Fiestas in particular by breaking the passenger window to pop the bonnet. It can take less than ten minutes to do."

She continued: "The stress and inconvenience it's caused is unreal and I'm left footing the excess £400 bill and been without a car for three days," she explained.

"It's known online as Corsa cannibals. I think the more people that are aware, we can stop these vile people."

A statement from West Midlands Police said that officers are currently investigating a recent incident, where a car bonnet and number plates were stolen from a Corsa car.

"The theft took place sometime between 12.05am and 8.30am," the statement explained.

Vauxhall

Vauxhall has said there are no security issues with the Corsa model, and instead referred to the crime wave as 'wanton vandalism'.

"There are no security or design issues with our best-selling Vauxhall Corsa," the company said.

"The Corsa has been a huge sales success since it was launched over 25 years ago, so there are proportionally more on the road than other less popular models.

"This is wanton vandalism, if a thief is determined enough they can steal parts from any make of car."

Inspector Mel Sutherland urged Corsa drivers to change the way they park their car in order to deter criminals, saying people should park the front end of the vehicle in a way that would make it inaccessible to thieves.

She said: "I would always advise people to check and check again that their vehicle is locked and secure, however given that this type of crime is very specific and unusual I would also encourage people to be extra vigilant and to consider where they are parking their cars.

"If you have a garage then try and use it or park your car as close to the garage door as possible to prevent thieves getting to the front end of the vehicle to remove it.

"You might want to consider upgrading the security on your drive or parking space, investing in a security light or CCTV system needn't cost the Earth and will be cheaper than replacing the whole front end of your car or seeing an increase in insurance premiums."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: UK News, crime, UK, Cars