Eight homes raided by Black Country rush robbers who threaten their victims with weapons
Eastern European robbers have struck eight times in just a matter of days across the Black Country, threatening and attacking victims in their own homes.
Police are appealing for information on the rush robberies, which have seen victims threatened with weapons and attacked before jewellery and cash was stolen.
Pictured below are the suspects West Midlands Police want to speak to.
Thieves struck first on Hill Street, Bradley, Wolverhampton, on January 13, with an address on Greets Green Road in West Bromwich targeted the same day.
Two days later, January 15, addresses in Oak Street, Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton and Bescot Road, Pleck, Walsall, were robbed.
There was a robbery on Simcox Road, Wednesbury, on January 18 before the spate on January 19 in Wolverhampton where homes on Pine Close, Merridale, Three Turns Lane, Bushbury, and Perton Road, Compton, were all robbed.
Up to five Eastern European suspects are understood to have burst into homes and on some occasions used bleach and cleaning fluids on the hands of victims in a sub-standard attempt to clean DNA evidence.
Inspector Ade George said: “We’re currently investigating five crimes across Wolverhampton, and a further three on Sandwell and Walsall. Force has been used on a number of occasions and victims left traumatised by the experience.
“We believe these criminals scope areas for homes that could be potential targets, I ask people to be aware of individuals or vehicles in their area acting suspiciously. If you are in any doubt, call police.
“People who behave in this way deserve no protection. We need people to come forward and tell us who they suspect is involved so we can take action, identify and bring those responsible for these burglaries to justice.
“I’d also like to ask for residents who are reading this in the news or on social media, to help us inform the wider community by sharing this information with neighbours, friends and family members.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police advice on how to keep your jewellery safe
Keep the jewellery in a safe place and locked up if possible
Consider installing a safe at home which is securely fixed to the floor or wall. Speak to your insurance company and ensure you have a safe that offers the correct level of protection
Ensure that the jewellery is insured
Consider storing high valuable items elsewhere such as in a bank or safety deposit box; contact your bank for details
Make a list of all jewellery stored in your house with a description of each item
Photograph all pieces of jewellery against a plain background with the ruler next to them to give an idea of size
Make sure your home is kept secure at all times: keep windows and doors locked, switch lights on when going out to make your home look occupied, use burglar alarms and install dusk till dawn security lights on the outside of your property
If you are buying jewellery as a gift, don’t leave it or its packaging on display. Follow as much of the above advice as possible to keep it safe.
