Masked raiders tie up couple before stealing three cars
A couple were tied up by three masked raiders armed with crowbars and hammers who burst into their countryside home before stealing three cars, cash and jewellery.
The raiders struck the man in the face before leaving the couple, aged in their 30s, with their wrists bound behind them with cable ties.
The terrifying ordeal began as the man and woman were watching TV in bed at their home in Hartle Lane, Belbroughton, near Stourbridge, at about 8.45pm last night.
Three men wearing balaclavas forced their way in, threatened them and stole cash, mobile phones, jewellery and the keys to three cars, which they drove off.
After the intruders fled, leaving the couple tied up on the floor, the woman managed to free her hands and release her partner.
She suffered minor injuries to her wrists and her partner had a facial injury.
Police carried out house to house inquiries during today and officers have stepped up patrols in the area to reassure residents.
DI Dean Jones of West Mercia Police said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for the couple, who have told us the gang were there for only a few minutes but it felt like an hour.
"We are keen to establish whether the offenders got to the location on foot or in a vehicle.
"We believe it is likely they were in a vehicle driven by an accomplice and are keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious from about 8pm onwards, including anyone who may have noticed the stolen vehicles leaving Hartle Lane, possibly on to the A491 Stourbridge Road.
"Incidents of this nature are very rare and police patrols in the area have been increased as a reassurance measure."
The cars taken were a black Land Rover Discovery registration number G11 ESG, a grey Audi A3 convertible registration KU09 FKO and a blue Ford Fiesta registration PK55 XYF, none of which have yet been recovered.
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000 quoting incident 633-s-271113 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
