Imagine parking your car overnight and returning to find your headlights, bumper, mirrors, and hood completely gone.
That’s exactly what happened to dozens of drivers during what police describe as a large-scale “car cannibalism” operation that targeted nearly 100 vehicles.
Investigators allege two men stripped valuable parts from parked cars in just minutes before disappearing. West Midlands Police also say the suspects filmed the thefts and later bragged about them on social media.
After a three-year investigation involving hundreds of hours of footage, forensic evidence, and multiple search warrants, authorities say they finally brought the alleged operation to an end.
Nearly 100 Vehicles Targeted
Mohammed Khan and Mohammed Haydar, both 23, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles at Birmingham Crown Court.
According to Police, the pair carried out the thefts across England’s West Midlands between December 2022 and October 2024.
Khan admitted to all 98 offenses, while Haydar pleaded guilty to 20 offenses connected to the conspiracy.
Police say the pair targeted parked vehicles, removing valuable parts including headlights, front bumpers, mirrors, hoods, and other exterior components before leaving many victims with vehicles that were no longer drivable.
What Is “Car Cannibalism?”
West Midlands Police use the term “car cannibalism” to describe stripping valuable parts from parked vehicles, often to sell or reuse the components.
Investigators say these thefts can take only minutes, leaving owners with thousands of dollars in damage by the time they return to their vehicles.
Police Say They Bragged About the Crimes
According to investigators, the case took more than three years to build.
Police executed multiple search warrants, arrested both suspects, reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, and conducted forensic examinations that they say linked the men to the thefts.
Investigators also allege the pair filmed themselves carrying out many of the crimes before posting videos and photos of the stripped vehicles on social media, where they bragged about the thefts.
Investigation Took Years
Detective Constable Choudhury, who led the investigation, said the suspects carefully planned each theft.
“They carefully planned each theft that they carried out, where they would cause serious distress to their victims who were left with vehicles without parts,” Choudhury said.
Police say the extensive investigation ultimately linked the pair to almost 100 vehicle-stripping offenses.
The two men are expected to be sentenced in June.