A MAN from Worcestershire has lodged a complaint with West Midlands Police after a thief admitted attempting to steal heating oil from his home but was then released without charge.

Officers were called to Hollywell Lane in Clows Top after a number of residents reported occupants of a van attempting to steal fuel in the area.

After being disturbed, the offenders left the scene leaving behind about 20 fuel cans, some containing heating oil, others empty.

Errol Dyer was woken by police at 3am on Saturday, January 29, and told his oil tank had been targeted resulting in about 200 litres spilling on to the ground. Mr Dyer said a thief had attempted to siphon the oil out and had spat on the ground nearby.

Detectives from West Mercia Police were able to use the spit to obtain DNA evidence and traced the suspect to an address in Birmingham. The 68-year-old financial adviser said West Mercia Police passed the details to their colleagues at West Midlands who arrested the suspect and took him to a Birmingham police station for interview.

Mr Dyer said the suspect told officers he had been owed money and was taken by two men to Hollywell Lane where they said he could take some oil from “their boss” as payment.

He said the force then decided to take no further action against the suspect.

Mr Dyer said: “He admitted it was him who committed the theft.

“His DNA was found at the scene. But then he is released after giving a ‘cock and bull’ story about what happened.

“West Mercia Police did a superb job to get this guy but police in Birmingham have let him go. The suspect must have previous or his DNA wouldn’t have been on the database. As a victim of crime I expect a much better service from the police than this.”

Mr Dyer has sent a letter of complaint to the chief constable of West Midlands Police and is awaiting a response.

A spokesman from West Midlands Police said: “We can confirm a complaint has been received which is being looked into by the force’s professional standards department.”

A West Mercia Police spokesman said: “As a complaint has been made to West Midlands Police it would be inappropriate for West Mercia Police to comment further.”