Force promises crackdown on burglaries

Staffordshire Police say that they have seen a number of incidents reported in Penkridge, Wombourne, Codsall and across Staffordshire in recent months,with burglars targeting keys to high value and high performances cars parked on driveways.

Safety advice has been issued to residents as a police boss has said cracking down on burglaries is a 'force priority'.

South Staffs local policing Commander, Inspector Richard Meaden said: “We are working with Central Motorway Policing Group, Force Safeguarding and Investigation, West Midlands Police and South Staffs District Council to combat these crimes.

"Cracking down on burglaries is a force priority.

“We are committed to catching them through dedicated patrolling in marked and unmarked cars and have already caught and charged several criminal gangs.”

On August 25, five men from the Wolverhampton area were sentenced to a total of 50 years for offences including car key burglaries committed across south Staffordshire.

Three men from Tamworth have pleaded guilty to car key burglaries in the south of Staffordshire and are due to be sentenced in October at Stafford Crown Court.

Staffordshire Police spokeswoman Paula James said: "We have seen an increase in burglaries across the county where offenders are stealing cars after breaking into homes to take the keys.

"We would urge residents to check home and vehicle security and remain vigilant, ensuring valuables and keys are stored away out of view.

"Offenders often target properties with high value/high performance vehicles on the driveway, however this is not always the case.

"If keys are visible through windows and doors, then offenders may break in, take the keys and make off in the vehicle."