Thieves using prams to conceal their haul

Pram-pushing shoplifters in the Black Country are using children's pushchairs to steal thousands of pounds worth of goods, police revealed today.

CCTV images show couples entering stores with an empty pram which they then load up with goods and wheel out without paying. Police are warning shoppers and business owners in Bilston to be on their guard after the thieves targeted stores including Peacocks and Poundfreeze in the Market Centre. Five different couples have been identified as pulling off the swindle.

In each incident, they made off with around £300 worth of goods. Officers today released CCTV images of some adults wanted in connection with the thefts.

Pc Paul Davis, from Bilston neighbourhood police team, warned that families out shopping in the town may be stopped and searched in the coming weeks.

He said: "There have been several crimes of this nature that have been reported over the last few weeks and we are now working with local retailers to try and stamp out the problem.

"There will be an increased police presence in the town centre over the next few weeks and there is a possibility that parents or families that are out shopping with an empty pushchair may be stopped.

"We would like to ask members of the public to be patient with us at this time," he added.

Officers believe that the criminals are using public transport to travel in and out of Bilston with their haul.

Anyone who sees a couple acting suspiciously with an empty pushchair, or a couple who have a pushchair filled with items but there is no child is sight, is urged to contact police.

"Our message to the shoplifters is clear don't bother," added Pc Davis.

"Most stores in the town centre now have CCTV so the likelihood is that you will be caught."

Anyone with information about the CCTVimages should contact Pc Davis at Bilston police station on 0345 113 5000.