POLICE are investigating three burglaries in Bromsgrove and Redditch, believed to be linked, which involved a helicopter pursuit which had to be abandoned.

All of the burglaries happened in rural or semi rural areas between 12.45-3.20pm, yesterday, (December 5).

The first burglary was in Bittell Road, Barnt Green, when offenders went into an insecure porch and kicked through the front door.

A quantity of cash and jewellery, as well as a set of car keys, were taken.

It was followed by a burglary in Bittell Farm Road, Hopwood, when offenders forced a porch door and kicked through the front door.

Among the items stolen were a 26-inch flat screen Samsung TV worth £700, a man's ring with a large diamond worth £1,250, a man's white gold ring with five small diamonds worth £1,000, a Rotary watch with a gold strap worth £900, a Rotary watch with a black leather strap worth £400, three pairs of cufflinks - two gold and one silver - worth £350, and car keys.

The third burglary was in Marlbrook Lane, Marlbrook, when a man returned home and left keys to his vehicle - a blue Volkswagen Golf registration number VE11 GKF - in the kitchen while he went upstairs.

The victim heard a noise and discovered access had been gained through an insecure rear door and his car keys were stolen, along with the £15,000 vehicle from off his drive.

A West Midlands Police helicopter located the vehicle on the A441 at Hopwood at around 3.40pm.

It was followed through Kings Norton, where it was in collision with a vehicle driven by a member of the public, and into Birmingham, where it was in collision with a police car.

Police abandoned the pursuit just before 4pm, due to the dangerous manner in which the vehicle was being driven.

Detective Sergeant Ed Slough of West Mercia Police said: "We believe there were at least two offenders.

"It is significant that vehicle keys were removed from all three homes, although only one car was actually stolen.

“This vehicle remains outstanding and we would like to hear from anyone who has seen it since or knows where it is now.”

House-to-house inquiries have been carried out, and extra patrols are being carried out as a reassurance measure.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Ed Slough at Bromsgrove CID on 0300 333 3000, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.