Power Tool Thieves Take Lexus From Solihull Home Driveway, Wales 2026

Key Points

• Lexus RX was stolen from the driveway in Solihull while its 79-year-old owner, Dave Whiting, slept upstairs.
• The burglary lasted 40 minutes and consisted of using a drill and a jigsaw, according to the description provided by the owner of the car from the CCTV video footage.
• One of them drilled through the boot, and then another one used a jigsaw to cut a hole into the car and reach its electrical wiring.
• Later on, the stolen Lexus was spotted by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras in Yardley Wood but it was not found yet.
• According to the Home Office statistics, the West Midlands was one of the areas in England and Wales which experienced the largest number of vehicle theft offences in 2025-26, namely 4.4 offences per 1,000 people.
• Only 2.2% of vehicle theft offences in the West Midlands Force Area were charged or summoned, according to the Home Office statistics published by BBC.
• West Midlands Police said that the offence of vehicle crime offences was decreasing in their area but they were determined to further decrease them.
• Warwickshire police reported one of the biggest increases in vehicle theft offences in 2025-26 despite the overall reduction in England and

Wales (Wales Times) October 2026 — Thieves used power tools to steal a Lexus RX from the driveway of a Solihull home while its owner slept upstairs, in an incident that has highlighted concerns about vehicle crime in the West Midlands.

As reported by BBC News, Dave Whiting, 79, said the theft took place last August and lasted about 40 minutes. He said two men walked towards the vehicle, one carrying a drill, before cutting into the Lexus and driving it away.

Mr Whiting told BBC News that his first reaction after viewing CCTV footage of the theft was “rage”.

“They knew what they were doing. They very casually walked down the road, one of them with a drill. Straight onto the drive,” he said.

According to Mr Whiting, the footage showed the pair appearing calm throughout the incident. He said there was some conversation between them, but no visible panic. One of the men also tried to cover the camera with mud.

What Did CCTV Show During The Theft?

Mr Whiting said one of the suspects drilled through the boot of the Lexus before using a jigsaw to cut a hole and reach the vehicle’s electrical systems.

He said the men disappeared for about 20 minutes before returning to the driveway.

“One guy got in and drove off. The other guy walked off,” he told BBC News. “It was as simple as that.”

The theft was discovered the following morning when a tradesman thanked Mr Whiting for moving the vehicle.

“I said, ‘No, I haven’t’,” Mr Whiting said.

The Lexus was later detected by Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras in Yardley Wood, but BBC News reported that it has never been recovered.

Why Are Vehicle Thefts High In The West Midlands?

The Solihull case comes as Home Office data shows that the West Midlands had the highest rate of vehicle theft offences in England and Wales in 2025-26.

According to the figures reported by BBC News, the rate was equivalent to 4.4 offences per 1,000 people in the West Midlands Force area. The data also showed that 2.2% of vehicle theft offences resulted in a charge or summons.

West Midlands Police said it did not underestimate the impact vehicle crime had on people. The force said that, while the number of offences was falling, it remained committed to bringing the number down.

It added that it was working closely with drivers, vehicle manufacturers and national agencies to prevent vehicles from being stolen.

What Happened To The Wolverhampton Land Rover?

The BBC also reported a separate case involving Yusif Jaf, from Wolverhampton, whose Land Rover Discovery 5 was stolen from his driveway at the end of September.

Mr Jaf told BBC Radio WM that he was looking at his car when it was taken at about 23:00 during a family gathering.

“I could see them leaving, but what they do was they turn up in two cars,” he said.

He said he did not know what had happened to the vehicle and wanted to understand the method used by the thieves so he could protect his family in future.

“They are very advanced… they do not break into the houses anymore,” Mr Jaf said.

Are Vehicle Thefts Rising In Warwickshire?

Neighbouring Warwickshire Police recorded one of the biggest increases in vehicle thefts in 2025-26, according to BBC News. This came despite a broader trend across England and Wales, where thefts peaked in 2022-23.

David Adams, who lives near Loxley in Warwickshire, had his vehicle stolen in August 2024. He told the BBC that the latest figures were worrying.

“What the hell is going on?” he said.

“It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if there was another lot operating like this. It is alarming if car thefts are taking off again.”

Mr Adams praised the response he received from Warwickshire Police after his vehicle was stolen, but said he remained concerned about living in a high-risk area.

“It is a bit disappointing that we are in a high-risk area. I feel worried now,”

he said.

What Have Police Said About Vehicle Crime?

West Midlands Police did not comment specifically on the Solihull Lexus theft in the material reported by BBC News. However, the force said it recognised the effect vehicle crime can have on victims and communities.

The force said offences were falling, but maintained that reducing vehicle theft remained a priority. It also said partnership work with drivers, manufacturers and national agencies formed part of its response.

The Home Office statistics cited by the BBC provide a regional measure of recorded vehicle theft offences, but they do not explain the methods used in individual incidents or identify those responsible.

Background Of The Development

Vehicle theft has remained a concern across parts of the West Midlands, with owners reporting incidents involving cars taken from driveways during the night. The Solihull Lexus theft involved the use of power tools to access the vehicle, while the Wolverhampton Land Rover case involved suspects arriving in two cars, according to the accounts given to the BBC.

The Home Office figures for 2025-26 place the West Midlands Force area at the highest rate of vehicle theft offences in England and Wales, at 4.4 offences per 1,000 people. The same data showed that 2.2% of offences resulted in a charge or summons. Warwickshire Police recorded one of the largest increases in thefts during the same period, even though vehicle thefts across England and Wales had peaked in 2022-23.

Prediction: How Could This Affect Local Drivers?

This development is likely to increase concern among drivers in Solihull, Wolverhampton, Warwickshire and other parts of the West Midlands, particularly those who park high-value vehicles on driveways. Residents may pay closer attention to driveway lighting, CCTV coverage, vehicle security features and where they leave keys overnight.

For local motorists, the reported cases may also lead to greater demand for manufacturer security updates, tracking devices, steering locks and advice from police on preventing keyless vehicle theft. Insurance holders in areas with higher recorded theft rates could face closer scrutiny of vehicle security measures when renewing policies.

For West Midlands Police and Warwickshire Police, the figures may increase pressure to demonstrate visible prevention work, improve victim communication and continue cooperation with manufacturers and national agencies. The data suggests that reducing vehicle theft will remain an important local policing issue, particularly in neighbourhoods where residents say they feel at risk.