Key-hooking thieves strike in Halesowen
Burglars who let themselves into people's homes in Halesowen by "fishing" through the letterbox for keys have struck seven times in three months.
They have stolen five cars and electrical goods in the spate of raids, using a hook to grab keys left within reach inside. Police say the offenders are targeting properties with high value vehicles parked on the driveway.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Jones said: "The keys had been stolen from the victim's property but there was no sign of forced entry.
"It's believed they were 'fished' through the letter box using some kind of implement."
The latest incidents happened on January 3 and 4, when electrical items were taken from a house in Graham Road, and a Honda Civic from Fairfield Road.
Electrical items were taken from a house in Valley Road on December 4 and a white Kia Rio car was stolen from Alexandra Road on November 18.
On December 30 the "key fishers" struck twice, in Fallowfield Road, where they took an Audi S3, and in Longmoor Road, where the target was an Audi A4.
The first reported incident was on October 20, in Tenlands Road, where a Toyota Avensis was stolen.
Mr Jones said: "We'd always encourage residents not to leave house keys in the lock or car keys or other valuables on display through glass door panels or windows."
Police say keys should be kept in a secure drawer, not in view of the front door or window. Neighbourhood police teams are offering advice to residents at community meetings and officers are targeting known offenders with home visits.
Mr Jones added: "I want to make it clear to offenders that we are working closely with second hand shops, with officers visiting regularly to check their records."
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
