A car ‘cannibal’ has struck in Sutton Coldfield loitering in a road then stripping a vehicle. The so-called cannibal – a thief who takes body parts off a car – but leaves the vehicle in its spot – struck in Eastern Road in Boldmere shortly after 4am on Wednesday (March 12). The owner, Jez Merckel, believes the thief or thieves were in the road ‘for two hours’ before targeting his grey Golf GTI at 4.12am. The same man is caught on CCTV pacing up and down the road from a little after 2am. Read more: Youths in 'balaclavas' force school into lockdown as police issue statement They have then carefully taken the car’s bonnet, bumper lights and number plate, leaving the engine exposed. Mr Merckel, who has had the car for around six years, said: “The same guy is seen going back and forth from just after 2am. “There’s another guy on the other side of the road in one of the shots. “No idea if it is related but quite a coincidence. It’s not something they can really do on their own. “I'm sure it's been stolen to order. They've taken care to undo the bolts properly and unplug the wiring." He continued: “I think they're scumbags who have no care for the pain this causes. “But they do it as the police either can't or won't do anything about crime like this. “So they carry on without a care as they know they can get away with it. “It's the same as the youths you see on scooters, no plates, no helmets, wearing balaclavas. They don't give a **** as they know they won't get caught.” Mr Merckel said he and other motorists in his road and nearby have been targeted before. He said: “This is the second time it's happened to me. Something similar happened in September 2023 when the bumper was taken away. “This sent my insurance skyrocketing - as there's no one to claim against, it's classed as a fault claim, and that affects your premium." Read more: Police probing Sutton bus attack issue picture appeal He continued: “A neighbour's car was done last year, I'm aware of others too, at least half a dozen cars that have suffered this on Eastern, Vesey and Somerville Road. “They're just the ones I know about. One was done in on a busy afternoon as people walked and drove past. “I'm p***** off with people saying you shouldn't have nice things. I love this car. It means a lot to me. But it's a six-year-old car, it's not a Lambo.” Get the latest Sutton Coldfield news delivered direct to your inbox Mr Merckel added: “I work hard to afford this car and it's something I take pride in and enjoy. “It's my hobby. Why should I feel I have to compromise on this? “It's not just a car to me. I use it for far more than ferrying the kids around.” West Midlands Police has been approached for a statement.