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Officers from the Town Hall Neighbourhood Team have carried out a thorough investigation into a series of smash‑and‑grab thefts from motor vehicles across the city centre. These offences were happening most often in the Northern Quarter, Village, the Trading Estate and the Southern Gateway, where both residents and visitors had reported repeated incidents of car windows being smashed and belongings taken.
PC Macreath-Smith, PC Vivian, and PC Simms led the investigation and spent several weeks gathering evidence and speaking with people affected. They reviewed hours of CCTV footage from businesses, apartment blocks and car parks to track movements linked to the offences. They also carried out forensic enquiries on damaged vehicles and recovered items, helping to build a clearer picture of how the offender was operating.
A key part of their work involved identifying and approaching victims directly. Officers contacted people whose vehicles had been targeted, offered support, gathered statements and made sure they were kept updated throughout the investigation. This community‑focused approach helped officers understand the full impact of the offending and ensured victims felt listened to and supported.
Through persistent enquiries, officers identified a suspect believed to be responsible for a significant number of these offences. He was located and arrested in the city centre following coordinated work between neighbourhood officers and other policing teams. The suspect has now been charged with 18 offences, including breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order, and has been remanded in custody until sentencing in September.
This result provides reassurance to those affected and reflects the hard work put in by neighbourhood officers to reduce vehicle crime and keep the city centre safe. The Town Hall Neighbourhood Team will continue patrols in hotspot areas, work closely with local businesses, and listen to community concerns to make sure policing remains focused on what matters most to you.
If you witness suspicious behaviour, please report it via 101, LiveChat, or 999 in an emergency. | 
