Police in Staffordshire have issued a stark warning to residents after criminals attempted to force their way into a home in the early hours of the morning.
Details of the Early Morning Incident
The attempted break-in occurred on Wayside Acres in the Codsall area of South Staffordshire. Officers were called at approximately 3.45am on Tuesday, December 30.
According to Staffordshire Police, the offenders snapped the lock off a rear door in an effort to gain entry to the property. However, they fled the scene before managing to steal any items.
Potential Motive and Community Alert
Investigating officers believe the intruders were likely searching for keys to a vehicle parked on the driveway. A police spokesperson stated that there is a genuine concern the culprits could come back to the neighbourhood.
"Please be a bit more aware of who is around over the next few days in case these offenders return to the area to try a different property," the force advised. The warning is particularly pertinent with New Year's Eve approaching, as many homes may be unoccupied while people attend celebrations.
Urging Vigilance from Residents
Local residents in the immediate vicinity have been contacted and informed about the incident. Police are now urging the wider community to remain extra vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
The key advice for residents includes:
- Ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home.
- Being observant of unfamiliar people or vehicles in the area.
- Keeping vehicle keys in a secure location, away from doors and windows.
- Reporting any concerns directly to the police.
This incident serves as a critical reminder for homeowners to review their security measures, especially during the festive period when routines often change.
