Two Men Sentenced for Extensive Car Parts Theft in Birmingham
Mohammed Khan (left) pleaded guilty to 98 offences, with Mohammed Haydar admitting he was involved in 20 of them
Two men who admitted to stripping bumpers, bonnets, headlights, and other parts from vehicles across Birmingham over a two-year period have been sentenced to over four years in prison.
Mohammed Haydar, 23, of Fernhurst Road, and Mohammed Khan, 23, of Croxton Grove, were sentenced by Judge George Lubega after pleading guilty to conspiracy to steal from motor vehicles.
The pair targeted parked cars, removing bumpers, bonnets, headlights, mirrors, and additional components, which they subsequently sold.
The offences occurred in 98 incidents between December 2022 and October 2024.
During the investigation, the men filmed and photographed themselves committing the thefts, posting images on social media where they posed with stolen car parts and boasted about their crimes.
Details of the Offences and Sentencing
Birmingham Crown Court was informed that the total value of the stolen parts was approximately £500,000.
Although Haydar admitted involvement in thefts valued at £66,000, the court considered the entire conspiracy, recognizing him as a "leading player in the conspiracy," according to Judge Lubega.
The judge characterized the offences as "stealing on an industrial scale."
Both defendants continued their criminal activities while on bail, despite multiple arrests; Khan was arrested 11 times and Haydar seven times during the investigation.
Judge Lubega noted the defendants were "determined to continue the conspiracy even when the game was up."
He concluded that only custodial sentences were appropriate, sentencing both Khan and Haydar to 51 months in prison.
Time already served in custody and some curfew periods will be deducted from their sentences.
Prosecution Evidence and Impact on Victims
Prosecutor Miss Pinch stated that both defendants were equal participants in the conspiracy. Evidence included CCTV footage, automatic number plate recognition data, and cell site analysis, which identified both men.
Stolen car parts were later sold via social media platforms.
The court heard that Khan was arrested first, with Haydar not charged until approximately 15 months later, as noted by Haydar's defence counsel, Mr Koona.
Miss Pinch highlighted the significant inconvenience and financial cost caused to victims, with nine individuals providing personal statements to the court.
Judge Lubega referenced one victim who described how their insurance claim caused stress and negatively impacted their credit score.
"One victim described how their insurance claim had caused stress and affected their credit score."
Another victim, who was on maternity leave at the time of the theft, reported being unable to afford car hire costs resulting from the incident.
"Another said she was on maternity leave at the time of the theft and could not afford to pay car hire costs as a result of the incident."
The judge noted that several vehicles were written off, leaving victims responsible for insurance excesses, illustrating the "real-world impact of the conspiracy."
Defendants' Background and Remorse
Both men were of previous good character, the court heard.
Judge Lubega acknowledged that both defendants had expressed remorse.
Mr Koona, representing Haydar, stated that Haydar was between 20 and 21 years old at the time of the offences and had no prior convictions. He added that the offending ceased following Haydar's marriage.
Khan's counsel, Mr Tiwana, indicated that Khan had expressed remorse in a letter to the court.
The court also heard a letter from Khan's father, praising his son's academic and football abilities. He expressed disbelief at his son's involvement in persistent offending and emphasized that Khan was "more than the mistakes he has made."
Investigation and Police Response
West Midlands Police stated that the investigation commenced after numerous motorists, including Birmingham City FC supporters parked near the club's stadium on matchdays, returned to find their vehicles stripped.
Detectives reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV footage before identifying and arresting the two men.
Victim's Experience
Jez Merckel from Sutton Coldfield has been a victim of car parts theft on three separate occasions between September 2023 and August 2025. The perpetrators in his cases were not apprehended.
"It was actually really upsetting,"he said.
"I've had to rent a garage which is about a 10 minute walk away from home."
He described the impact on his insurance bill as "enormous" and "horrendous."
Regarding the sentencing of Khan and Haydar, he commented:
"I really hope that the sentencing is enough to deter people from getting involved in this sort of crime."
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