Two men responsible for a widespread campaign of 'car cannibalism' across Birmingham have been handed sentences of over four years in prison. Mohammed Haydar, 23, of Fernhurst Road, and Mohammed Khan, 23, of Croxton Grove, were sentenced to 51 months each at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles.
The court heard that the pair systematically targeted parked cars, stripping them of valuable components such as bumpers, bonnets, headlights, and wing mirrors, which were then sold on. Their criminal enterprise spanned nearly two years, from December 2022 to October 2024, and involved a staggering 98 separate incidents. The total value of the stolen parts was estimated to be around £500,000, according to prosecuting barrister Miss Pinch.
Adding insult to injury for their victims, Haydar and Khan brazenly documented some of their thefts, posting images and videos on social media platforms that showed them posing with stolen car parts and boasting about their criminal activities. Judge George Lubega described their actions as "stealing on an industrial scale" and highlighted that both defendants continued to offend even after being arrested multiple times while on bail, demonstrating a clear determination to persist with the conspiracy.
The impact on victims was profound, as detailed in nine personal statements presented to the court. One victim recounted the stress caused by their insurance claim and the negative effect on their credit score. Another, on maternity leave at the time of the theft, found herself unable to afford car hire costs, creating significant hardship. Judge Lubega noted that many vehicles were written off, leaving owners to pay substantial insurance excesses, underscoring the "real-world impact of the conspiracy."
Despite both defendants reportedly showing remorse and having no previous convictions before this series of offences, the judge concluded that only a custodial sentence was appropriate given the scale and persistence of their crimes. West Midlands Police initiated their investigation after numerous motorists, including Birmingham City FC supporters, found their vehicles stripped. Detectives meticulously analysed CCTV footage and automatic number plate recognition data to identify and apprehend the culprits.
The sentences reflect the severe disruption and financial burden placed upon the community by such organised criminal activity, sending a clear message about the consequences of preying on vehicle owners for parts.