Police step up patrols in Walsall after spate of burglaries

Thieves have been predominantly stealing car keys from houses then taking the car from the driveway in the Streetly area.

Six people have been arrested and charged in connection with some of these burglaries and other offences, including handling stolen goods, motoring offences and the possession of drugs. Several stolen vehicles have also been recovered.

Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have increased patrols in the area during key times and are working with residents to increase awareness, share crime prevention advice and encourage people to get involved in local Neighbourhood Watch and Street Watch schemes.

The local neighbourhood taskforce team has also been focusing their patrols in the area, together with the force’s road policing unit, to prevent these crimes and catch those responsible.

Inspector Jo Hickin, responsible for policing in the area, said: “I appreciate how being a victim of burglary can be very distressing, even if nothing is stolen, the thought of a stranger being in your home can feel like a violation of your privacy and security.

“We’ve seen many instances where thieves are breaking in solely to take keys so I’d advise that you do not take them upstairs with you at night. If they are persistent enough to break-in, it is best they take the keys and go.

“We remain determined to find and bring whoever is responsible for these crimes to justice and I’d urge anybody who can assist our enquiries to get in touch as soon as possible.

“We’ve got some excellent working relationships with members of the community and lots of people who are really proactive in sharing our messages and advice, I’d like to offer my thanks to these people and encourage anyone else who is interested in working with us via a local scheme such as Neighbourhood Watch or Street Watch to get in touch with a member of my team."

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about what is happening in their area can sign up to WMNOW, details can be found at wmnow.co.uk or by emailing the team aldridge@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or follow them on Twitter @aldridgeWMP.

Anyone with any information about crime in the area contact us via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk between 8am and midnight, 101, anytime or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.