Stolen garden tools used in burglaries

Burglars have struck 17 times in two months across Lichfield – stealing garden tools from sheds then using them to break into homes, police said today.

Police are urging residents to be extra vigilant after the spate of break-ins, which have seen laptops, iPads, mobile phones and jewellery stolen. Officers believe one person is behind "a number" of burglaries.

The majority of the thefts have taken place in the Dimbles Lane and Gaia Lane areas of the city.

A further three have taken place in Queen Street, Pentire Road and Lichfield Road, in Armitage.

The latest, reported in Fecknam Way at around 10pm on Monday night, saw two elderly victims knocked to the ground by the thief as he tried to flee.

The couple discovered the man inside as they returned home. Neither suffered serious injury but they were both left shaken.

The suspect is described as having a dark complexion and being of either Eastern European or mixed ethnicity. He was aged in his early 20s, 5ft 9ins tall, medium build and had short dark hair. He wore a black jacket and a backpack.

It is believed he got into the rear garden by climbing a 6ft locked gate before using tools from the greenhouse to break into the house. Several items of jewellery were stolen.

Insp Darren Oakey, Lichfield District police team commander, said: "We believe the same individual is responsible for a number of burglaries over the last few weeks and we are appealing for anyone who may have any information to come forward."

He urged people not to leave garden tools lying around and secure their homes and mark belongings with postcodes using 'invisible' ink.