A WARNING has been issued to drivers across North Worcestershire after a spate of crimes in the area in the past week.
The incidents have included vehicles being taken and thefts from cars and vans.
On Saturday, a Ford Focus locked and parked in The Medway, Redditch, was entered. Thieves stole a set of keys, a Ryobi chainsaw and a mobile phone, making off with the items.
Around 6.30pm on Friday, a gold Land Rover Discovery, which was locked, was entered and taken from The Abbey Hotel Golf and Country Club in Dagnell End Road, Redditch.
A white Range Rover Evoque was stolen without keys from Swansbrook Gardens, Walkers Heath, between Thursday and Friday. The owner was a make-up artist and their make-up and equipment were inside the vehicle.
Between Thursday and Friday, a black Audi A6 parked on a driveway was taken from Majors Green, Wythall. The raiders smashed the window to get in before driving it away.
A silver panel Vauxhall Vivaro van with ‘PJ Plastering’ on the side was also stolen between Tuesday and Wednesday from Hindlip Close, Redditch. There were some tools in the van.
On Tuesday, a man was going to pick his daughter up from school when, on the Lickey Road in Cofton Hackett, a silver van or car pulled in front of his black Vauxhall Vivaro blocked him and took his keys. They were thrown down the road before driving off.
Between Monday and Tuesday a white Mercedes was taken from a driveway in Majors Green.
Other incidents have occurred in Solihull.
Insp Richard Field from Bromsgrove and Redditch confirmed there had been an increase in vehicle crime.
“Some appear to have involved opportunists trying car door handles while others, like the keyless thefts, have been more sophisticated.”
West Mercia Police have put out numerous alerts through its neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk website.
Officers say motorists can reduce their chances of becoming a car-key burglary victim by keeping keys out of sight and somewhere safe or in a metal box or faraday pouch if they are keyless.
Cars should always be locked and parked in garages if possible and steering locks can be used.
Drivers should also fit high quality alarms or additional security systems, such as immobilisers.
Those with more than one vehicles should park more expensive ones behind the lesser value cars or vans.
Motorcycle thefts
Police have also reported a spike in motorbike thefts – thieves are loading them onto vans and driving them away.
Motorcycle owners should physically lock then to immovable objects where possible.
PC Roberts said: “Perpetrators of this crime often ‘work to order’ and will target specific vehicles, based on demand and value. If a criminal is targeting a certain vehicle they will also be targeting the owner, looking for easy ways to exploit their security and get to their keys.
“The most common methods used by thieves are to follow victims’ home or ‘cruise’ around residential areas looking for opportunities. If you think you are being followed or see any suspicious vehicles, take the registration number and report it to the police.”
Anyone seeing suspicious behaviour in their area should call 101 to report it or call 999 if a crime is in progress.
