'˜Gang of thieves' target expensive BMW cars

Fears are growing that a professional gang of thieves is operating in the Horsham area targeting expensive BMW cars.
CCTV image of man seen near the scene of BMW theft SUS-160811-150221001CCTV image of man seen near the scene of BMW theft SUS-160811-150221001
CCTV image of man seen near the scene of BMW theft SUS-160811-150221001

One £30,000 vehicle was stolen from outside a house in Billingshurst last week and an attempt was made to steal another from a garage at the same property.

A third vehicle was reported stolen from an address nearby.

The thefts follow two previous incidents on October 17-18 when two BMWs were stolen from the Southwater area.

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Earlier this year, back in March, three BMWs were reported stolen from separate addresses in Storrington.

The latest theft happened on November 2. The owner, who does not want to be named, said: “I was disturbed by two men scouting past my house at 3.30 in the morning. Shortly after, one of the suspects entered my garage and attempted to steal my car. I chased them off.”

Later the man realised that his wife’s BMW had been stolen from just outside the house. He called police who, he said, were “extremely quick to respond and were very professional.”

And he added: “These are organised groups of people using sophisticated methods to remove these cars.

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“Both of my wife’s keys were in our house. There was no broken glass or evidence of damage prior or after her vehicle was stolen.”

He said his wife’s car was worth around £30,000 and his car - which was damaged - was worth even more.

A police spokesman said: “A car was stolen from outside a property in Billingshurst around 4.30am on November 2. The BMW was located a short distance from the property.

“The victim reported an hour earlier at 3.30am he had seen two men interfering with another BMW. He went outside and the two men ran off.

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“A BMW was also reported as stolen overnight from Silver Lane in Billingshurst.

“Anyone with information please report online to https://sussex.police.uk/contact-us/response-to-appeal/ quoting serial 102 of 02/11.”