BMW owners put on alert after spree of steering wheel thefts in Cambourne
A series of thefts of BMW steering wheels in Cambourne has prompted a police warning to car owners.
Detectives believe the same man is behind all the thefts and believe he is targeting the steering wheels on newer models as the airbags are expensive to replace if activated in a collision, creating a high demand in the second-hand market.
Cambridgeshire police urged owners to consider buying a steering wheel security cover.
Det Sgt Andy Watters said: “There has been a mini-spree of steering wheels being stolen in Cambourne and it appears new-model BMWs are being targeted in streets in close proximity.
“We are appealing for any information or any footage from residents of suspicious activity in and about the Upper Cambourne area in the last few days.”
Reported incidents include the thefts of:
- a steering wheel and radio from a BMW X3 between 6pm on Wednesday, January 4 and 10am on Thursday, January 5) in Gladiator Road, Upper Cambourne;
- a steering wheel from a BMW 3 Series between 6.15pm on Wednesday, January 4 and 8am on Thursday, January 5 in Whirlwind Close, where a man was seen to look into the car with a torch and moved a Ring CCTV camera;
- a steering wheel from a BMW 3 Series between 2am and 3am on Wednesday, January 4 in Gauntlet Drive;
- Makita power tools from a BMW in Mayfield Way between 11.30pm on Wednesday, January 4 and 6am on Thursday, January 5.
And a man also smashed the rear passenger window of a BMW 1 Series at the BMW dealership in Cambourne Business Park at about 1.45am on Thursday, January 4.
Writing on a Facebook group, one victim described the spree as “shocking” and urged other motorists to be aware.
Anyone with information or CCTV footage should report it through the force website with reference number 35/111/23. Anyone without internet access should call 101.
