Masked gang burst inside family home in 'traumatic' late night raid
Masked men forced their way into a family home, demanding keys to a BMW from a mother protecting her distressed children.
The gang of four made off with the car and other personal belongings only after hitting a fence as they bid to flee in the car.
Dudley Police commander Sally Bourner appealed on social media to help officers investigating the burglary in Halesowen.
The raiders forced their way inside the family house in Meadow Road, close to Coombs Wood, at around 3am today.
They confronted the 28-year-old mother inside and ordered her to hand over car keys.
There were two children in the address at the time but although shaken by the experience, no-one was injured, say West Midlands Police.
Police are looking to trace the blue BMW, registration PK10 AWX, and the other personal items.
Detective Sergeant Leighton Shingles, from West Midlands Police, said: "To come face to face with burglars in your own home is distressing and traumatic.
"At this stage we don’t believe there was any pre-planned intention to harm anyone at the address but we’re keen to identify the men involved as soon as possible.
"The BMW is likely to have rear damage after hitting a fence while being driven off and we need to trace it.
"I would urge anyone with information which can assist our investigation to get in touch."
Anyone with information can contact police via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, or via 101.
Quote crime reference number 20DY/279964E/19.
