Residents in Sutton Coldfield are being urged to heighten their security after a significant spike in burglaries and vehicle-related crimes in the town. West Midlands Police have issued a direct warning to householders following a notable increase in incidents, particularly around the Christmas period.
Police Step Up Patrols and Detail Common Entry Methods
West Midlands Police confirmed they have seen a rise in both break-ins and vehicle crime in parts of Sutton Coldfield in recent weeks. In response, patrols have been increased in the affected areas. A police spokesperson acknowledged the situation is worrying for the community and reassured residents that officers are working closely with partners to improve safety.
A key pattern identified by investigators is that offenders are most commonly gaining entry to homes via the rear of properties. This has prompted a clear set of advice from the force. Residents are being asked to ensure all back doors and windows are securely locked. The advice extends to outbuildings, with police recommending that garage doors and garden gates are also kept closed and secured.
"Please take a moment today to check that back doors and windows are locked, and that your garden gates and garage doors are secured," the spokesperson said. They also highlighted the effectiveness of outdoor security lighting, particularly lights activated by motion sensors, as a strong deterrent to potential intruders.
Keyless Car Theft and a Successful Police Intervention
The crime wave isn't limited to homes. Police have issued specific warnings about keyless entry vehicles, which are vulnerable to thieves using relay devices. This electronic equipment can pick up the signal from a key fob inside a house and transmit it to unlock and start a car parked outside.
To combat this, the force is advising owners of keyless cars to be extra cautious. Key advice includes keeping fobs away from doors and windows and considering the use of a Faraday pouch. These inexpensive signal-blocking pouches can prevent criminals from hijacking the key's signal.
Despite the rise in crime, police have recorded a recent success. Officers from the West Midlands Police traffic unit's road crime team were operating in Sutton Coldfield when they located a recently stolen and cloned white Ford car. The vehicle was followed, safely boxed in, and its driver was arrested. Sophisticated electronic equipment related to vehicle thefts was found on board.
How the Community Can Help and Further Measures
Police are calling on the public to be their eyes and ears. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity, such as unfamiliar vehicles lingering, people trying gates, or unusual behaviour captured on doorbell cameras or CCTV. Reports can be made by calling 101 or via Live Chat on the police website.
In a further bid to tackle the issue, police are asking residents with CCTV or doorbell cameras to register them with the force. The initiative, which takes about 60 seconds to complete, allows police to quickly identify nearby cameras if an incident occurs and request footage that may aid an investigation.
"Officers will also be working throughout the night, carrying out stops on individuals and vehicles where there are clear grounds for concern," the spokesperson added. The overarching message remains clear: for emergencies or a crime in progress, the public should always dial 999.
