Spate of car thefts at beauty spots

Hundreds of pounds and gifts were taken in a spate of thefts from cars parked at Clent Hills and surrounding beauty spots over Christmas. A number of cars were broken into on the Clent Hills and the nearby Lickey Hills.

It happened over the festive period as thieves took advantage of people being away from work and visiting the sites. At Clent, a bag containing glasses worth £100 and bank cards were stolen from the boot of a Peugeot at St Kenelm's Pass on December 16 between 2.10pm and 3.10pm.

The rear windscreen was also smashed causing £100 damage.

A Nissan Primera parked at the same spot was broken into at the same time. While nothing was stolen the lock was damaged again costing the owner £100.

Thieves targeted the Walton Hill car park on Boxing Day when a stereo was taken from a Nissan Micra between 11.15am and 1.30pm.

The same car park was hit again on December 30 when a Vauxhall Zafira was broken into and a bag containing £40 was stolen along with a mobile phone worth £50 and glasses worth £100.

A window was smashed causing damage of £100.

At the Lickey Hills, a bag containing £70 cash, bank cards and vouchers was stolen from the boot of a Renault Clio on the Warren Lane car park on December 15 between 10am and 11am.

Thieves returned to the spot on December 20 when a handbag containing keys, college work and books was taken from the boot of a Citroen. The theft took place between 11am and noon.

A handbag containing bank cards, £15 cash and glasses worth £200 was taken from a Fiat Punto again on the Warren Lane car park between 12.15pm and 12.45pm on December after a hole was punctured in the door.

Inspector Dave Shaw of Bromsgrove Police said: "Despite numerous warnings, people are still leaving their handbags in their vehicles, which has resulted in a spate of crimes over the festive period. Patrols by police and community support officers have been stepped up but we cannot be there 24 hours a day."

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Bromsgrove Police on 08457 444888 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.