A daring car thief who helped steal more than a dozen vehicles worth £400,000 across the Black Country has pleaded guilty. Keltonjay Martin, 24, was admitted to conspiracy to steal motor vehicles at Wolverhampton Crown Court last Friday.
Cunning Heist Uncovered by Police
West Midlands Police launched a major investigation after a spike in car thefts between April and May 2023. Detailed digital forensics and CCTV footage pinned Martin as a key player. Officers discovered he used a group chat to coordinate thefts, scouting targets before swooping in to steal the cars.
Martin’s own vehicle was seized after his June arrest when officers found it stolen and cleverly modified to hide its true identity. He would then snap photos and videos of the stolen vehicles, selling them through the same group chat.
Police Praise Community for Catching Thief
“Martin was prolific in stealing people’s cars across the Black Country, using multiple methods,” said Sergeant Matt Price. “Thankfully, following investigative work and help from the community, we were able to identify Martin as the offender and lock him up.”
“Martin will be sentenced after causing distress to victims. We understand how inconvenient and distressing vehicle crime is, and how it can prevent people from carrying out their daily life.”
Sentencing Set for April
Martin, from Swancote Road, Dudley, faces sentencing in April. Police continue to urge communities to report suspicious activity to crack down on vehicle crime.
