Night-time raid alert

Burglars are preying on houses in Lichfield while the residents are in bed.

Police are warning people to be vigilant following a spate of the raids at locked homes.

Thieves are scaling rear gates and fences and getting into homes, often by smashing windows or patio doors.

Lichfield Inspector Mike Kozam said: "We want to raise awareness that offenders are targeting houses overnight while people are in bed.

"They are all secure premises and a lot of people think that while they are in the house it is safe."

He said there had been seven such burglaries since the start of November, which may be linked.

He appealed for residents to be as vigilant as possible.

"I want people to look out for their neighbours and ring the police if they see or hear anything suspicious. We are relying on the eyes and ears of the community to help us trace these offenders."

The inspector also urged residents not to leave property on show in kitchens such as handbags.

And he urged people to have security lighting installed at the back of houses.

Meanwhile Inspector Kozam warned that older cars have also become a target for thieves in the Lichfield policing area over the last two weeks. Thieves are tempted by older vehicles as they are less secure.

Inspector Kozam suggested people stuck for Christmas gift ideas buy a steering lock as they could save the owner from having a car stolen or suffering hundreds of pounds of damage.

"I believe that one or two individuals may well be responsible for the thefts of older cars," he said. "There is every possibility that there are people out there who know who they are."

Anyone with information should call police on 08453 302010 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

By Victoria Hoe