Burglaries on the rise in Sandwell
Burglaries have increased by 25 per cent in Sandwell over three years with council bosses blaming the rise on police cuts.
In 2015 there was 942 calls to police but this figure rose to 1,175 in 2017 - an increase of 233.
West Bromwich had the highest number of offences over the time period with 800 reports made.
In total there was more than 3,000 calls made to officers between 2015 to 2017.
West Bromwich councillor Bawa Dhallu said he will be ramping up the pressure on the police.
He said: "I speak to the police many times to increase patrols but nothing is happening at the minute. "But I will be putting more pressure on them to do so."
Sandwell Council leader Steve Eling blamed the increase on government police cuts, adding: "It is very worrying for people."
A total of 3,114 offences were reported in three years across Sandwell's six towns.
The second highest rate was in Oldbury where 610 calls were made, followed by Smethwick in third with 605.
In fourth was Rowley Regis with 437, fifth was Wednesbury with 337 and last Tipton in 325.
The figures were revealed following an Freedom Of Information request and covered offences for aggravated burglaries - the most serious - to burglaries and distraction burglaries.
They showed a worrying rise in the number of burglaries being reported.
A total of 997 calls were made in 2016.
Councillor Eling said: "Burglaries are on the up and the number of people getting caught are on the down.
"People in our neighbourhoods are very concerned about this.
"It has got to be an indication of the impact of police cuts. People who would have been caught and locked up in the past are now doing more burglaries."
The figures were revealed as West Midlands Police continues to battle with funding cuts from the government.
The force's resources are stretched while officers and staff continue to tackle crime in the region.
David Jamieson, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, said the force has lost more than £140 million in funding since 2010.
Mr Jamieson has rubber-stamped plans to close 24 police stations - with eight in the Black Country including Oldbury - as part of restructure of resources to save money.
The force said the move will protect 100 police officer posts.
