Car break-ins spark more police patrols in Sandwell
Patrols are being stepped up by police following increase in vehicle crime in Sandwell - with five vehicle break-ins reported in one street during a week.
Officers have called in additional support for 'around the clock' focus on tackling the thieves and vandals, who targeted vehicles in Whitehouse Avenue in Wednesbury last week.
Temporary Sergeant Chris Payne, from Wednesbury North police team, said: "We are aware of, and are currently investigating vehicle crimes on Whitehouse Avenue, which took place last week.
"The matter has been raised as a priority for this area of Sandwell police which means we will benefit from additional support from other specialist priority teams around the clock.
"The team is working with local residents to offer crime prevention advice, whilst engaging with local shop owners to promote crime prevention."
Among those targeted was a 29-year-old mother of two, who lives in Whitehouse Avenue. She woke up last Wednesday morning to find her car door and boot open.
When she looked inside her vehicle she discovered the glove compartment open and personal items scattered around, including her child's lunch box. Nothing was stolen.
The mother, who did not wish to be named in fear of reprisal, said: "It's not nice to find someone has been searching through your own property, it made it uncomfortable when I next drove around in my car, or when my daughter next used her lunch box.
"I'm 100 per cent happy the police are looking into this further.
"I've heard of a few other people being targeted. We just want the person caught.
"We have to live here and we shouldn't face the fear of this happening again."
Wednesbury ward Councillor Elaine Costigan said: "I am a bit surprised, it is an area which is usually pretty good.
"I just hope the police put forces into Wednesbury north because it is rife and it's upsetting for people."
The police say they have received no reports of vehicle crime in nearby Bilston Road and Lime Road.
The force also said, despite the recent spate, there had been a five per cent reduction in vehicle crime compared to last year.
This equated to 34 fewer victims of this type of offence.
