Police trace getaway taxi arresting group over alleged knifepoint robbery

Image credit: West Midland Police

West Midlands Police arrested a group of teenagers in a taxi just minutes after it was alleged they robbed a boy at knifepoint.

A 14-year-old victim was in Halesowen Street, Oldbury at around 8.15pm when he was threatened with a machete by offenders who stole his phone, coat and hat.

Officers were alerted to the robbery just after 8.30pm by the victim’s dad and quickly deployed officers to the scene.

An 18-year-old man was arrested and a large machete recovered – and enquiries helped establish that four other suspects had made off in a taxi.

West Midland Police (WMP) officers quickly identified the taxi firm and intercepted it in Dudley Road at around 8.50pm where four passengers – two aged 15, one 16 and a 17-year-old – were arrested.

Officers recovered the boy’s stolen property from the taxi. Four teenagers were arrested from the taxi on suspicion of robbery.

All five have been arrested for robbery and knife possession and remain in custody.

Superintendent Phil Asquith praised the rapid response from officers. He said: “We sent officers to the scene immediately. They’ve quickly identified a suspect and through some enquiries at the scene identified the taxi, tracked its movements and pulled it over.

“We had all five in custody just 20 minutes after receiving the 999 call – so a really good job.

“This must have been a really scary, upsetting incident for the boy. I’m pleased we’ve managed to reunite him with his property and wish him all the best for the future.”