THREE men have been arrested on suspicion of stealing multiple steering wheels from parked BMWs.


The police have received several reports from different drivers who have woken up to find their BMW’s steering wheel stolen. 


At 3am this morning, patrolling officers saw three men in a car driving through New Church Road, Hove, where most of the thefts have taken place so far. 


The officers became suspicious of the occupants and stopped the car. 


They found two steering wheels from BMWs in their vehicle. 


The three men, one aged 34 and two aged 24, all of no fixed address, were arrested on suspicion of thefts from vehicles and are currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.


Officers then searched an address in Bognor where vehicle accessories including steering wheels were seized. 


A 24-year-old man was arrested at that address on suspicion of handling stolen goods. 
He is also currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.


On the night of Sunday to Monday, 13 to 14 January, parked BMWs had been broken into and had steering wheels stolen in the following locations:

  • Denmark Villas 
  • Southwick Green
  • Arundel Street 
  • Adelaide Crescent
  • Brunswick Place 
  • Adelaide Crescent
  • Sharpthorne Close


On the night of Monday to Tuesday, 14 to 15 January, prior to the arrests, steering wheels had been stolen from parked BMWs in Roman Road, Goldstone Villas, Langdale Gardens and St Heliers Ave. 


Detective Sergeant James Meanwell said; “This was good work by two alert patrolling officers which we think may have nipped this particular activity in the bud.”


Councillor Robert Nemeth became aware of the thefts after seeing an smashed BMW in Hove. 
He said: “It’s testament to the caring community that Cllr Peltzer Dunn and I represent that quite a number of residents got in touch with us to share information about the first night’s thefts. 

“We are shocked to hear that a second night of even worse incidents has taken place. I hope that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.”