A SPATE of vehicle crime in Rubery has led to police issuing a warning to residents to ensure their cars are secure at night.

Police are investigating the increase of crime that saw several vehicles broken into overnight between Wednesday, July 29, and Thursday, July 30.

Between 5.30pm on July 29 and 11am on July 30, a green Ford Mondeo was broken into in Clent Road, Rednal. The offenders stole a sat-nav system and two CD’s.

A silver Renault Clio in Links Drive, Rednal, was broken into between 5.30pm on July 29 and 9am on July 30. Offenders searched the vehicle but nothing was stolen. Between 7pm on July 29, and 8.30am on July 30 a white Nissan Qashqai was broken into in Hillview Road, Rubery. The offenders stole a belt and keys.

A silver Peugeot 206 was stolen in Rednal Hill Lane, with the offenders taking keys and cash, between 9pm on July 29 and 7am on July 30.

In the early hours of July 30, between 12.15am and 5.30am, a black Renault Megane in Waseley Road was broken into, the offenders stealing a wallet from the central console of the vehicle.

Police also received a call that three youths were spotted in The Avenue, Rednal, at 12.42am on July 30, trying the door handles of cars and houses.

The youths were described as being white and in their 20s.

Five police officers, a dog handler and the air unit were dispatched to the scene shortly after the call, but after an extensive search lasting two hours no offenders were traced.

PC Tim Burling from Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "These vehicle offences are clearly linked and our initial enquiries suggest that the vehicles were left unlocked.

"We are stepping up patrols in the area to compact this increase in vehicles offences. This is a timely reminder to ensure that your vehicles are secured at night to prevent further crimes occurring.”

For more details on preventing vehicle crime visit West Mercia Police's website, westmercia.police.uk.

Anyone with information on these incidents is asked to call police on 101, quoting 0008S 300715.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.