Residents patrolling quiet village after spate of crime

A number of thefts of vehicles and burglaries have been reported in Wheaton Aston in recent weeks, and now dozens of residents are starting to patrol the area during the night to deter the criminals.

One resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said her van has been broken into for the second time in three weeks.

She said: "It happened around 5.30pm on Saturday evening, which is the most unnerving and unbelievable thing.

"They ripped the side door off its runner at the top, presumably using a crowbar, then bent the door basically in half to get in – all beneath a street light.

"This is the second time the van has been broken into in three weeks.

"Wheaton Aston is normally such a safe, quiet, friendly village so this is really quite terrifying. And all around Christmas, no less.

"The whole village is in uproar, as they've been targeting vans, cars have been stolen, and homes broken into.

"Villagers have had to resort to patrolling the streets and keeping a neighbourhood watch group on WhatsApp, which has more than 120 members who are all keeping an eye on the village and updating with anything that looks remotely out of the ordinary. Everyone is on guard."

Chief Inspector Mark Ward, from South Staffordshire Neighbourhood Policing Team, said officers from across the area are being deployed to Wheaton Aston to catch and deter the criminals.

He said: “We are aware of a number of reports of burglaries and attempt thefts in the Wheaton Aston area and are deploying resources from across the force to the area to both catch and deter criminals.

“Targeted patrols including neighbourhood and response officers are also taking place throughout the day and evenings.

“Anyone who has information or anyone that sees any suspicious behaviour should report it to us on 101 or message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter.

“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”