RESIDENTS in Rubery, Rednal and Cofton Hackett are being warned to be on their guard after a spate of vehicle crime in the area.
In the latest incidents a laptop was taken from a car while it was parked in Rednal Hill Lane, Rubery.
It happened between 5.30pm and 8pm on Friday (November 18). It is not known how the thieves got into the vehicle.
In another, from 3pm on November 12 and 1pm on Friday (November 18), golf equipment was taken from a car while it was in Old Birmingham Road, Rednal.
Again it is unknown how the vehicle was entered.
Thieves escaped empty-handed when they targeted a car in Rednal Hill Lane, Rubery, between 10.25pm and 10.40pm on Friday (November 18).
And likewise, access was gained to a vehicle in Oakfield Drive, Cofton Hackett, between 11pm on Friday (November 18) and 1.50am on Saturday (November 19).
In last week’s Standard we reported how a Jerry can full of petrol had been stolen from a car in Clent Road, Rubery, on the Friday before (November 11) and, a day later on November 12, photographic equipment, identification cards, clothing and keys were stolen from a car in St Chad’s Road, Rubery.
And a grey Ford Mondeo taken from Callowbrook Lane, Rubery, between November 13 and 14.
Hagley and Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have stepped up uniformed patrols in the area and the message for drivers to ensure their cars are locked and valuables-free is being conveyed by the area’s Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) groups.
In response to the incidents and residents raising concerns, police have also organised a community surgery.
That will take place in East Works Drive, Cofton Hackett, between 10am and midday on December 3.
It is part of an ongoing project between the police and the NHW teams to focus on crime prevention.
Police will be on hand to provide Crime Prevention advice and Cofton Hackett NHW will be on hand to outline the benefits of Neighbourhood Watch and to encourage residents to join the group and even become co-ordinators for their street.
People will also be able to have their say on issues they are facing.
PC Tim Burling said, “This is a great opportunity for Local Police and Neighbourhood Watch to work together to try and make our community less attractive for criminals.
“I would also urge residents of Cofton Hackett to sign up to the Community Messaging Service (CMS) which provides up to date crime bulletins direct to your email.”
