POLICE patrols have increased and officers are appealing to residents to be vigilant after a spate of robberies in Alvechurch.

The latest robbery happened just before 3am on Tuesday, December 3, when offenders smashed a lounge window at the front of a house in Bear Hill, disturbing the occupants.

They reached inside and stole a white Apple Macbook laptop worth £1,000.

A taxi was seen in Bear Hill at around the same time, and police would like to trace the driver and occupants of this, as they may have information.

Another happened between 8.30am and 5.30pm on Monday, December 2, in Station Road when a conservatory window was prised open.

Damage of £150 was caused to a window frame and a further £100 to an internal door.

Items stolen included three yellow gold plain band rings, a silver Pandora bracelet with four silver charms and one red jewel charm, worth £500, a Tag Heuer Formula One watch with a metal strap worth £1,800, and an Apple iPod MP3 worth £200.

There have also been two burglaries in Alvechurch on November 26, both during the daytime.

Jewellery, including some of great sentimental value, was stolen from a house in School Lane, and two Dell laptops and 500 Euros from a house in Redditch Road.

Police believe some of the burglaries are linked.

Detective Constable Tony Flanagan of West Mercia Police said: “We realise the residents of Alvechurch will be concerned at these burglaries, and we are taking them very seriously.

“In the run up to Christmas and over the festive period, burglars know there are going to be presents in homes, and also that householders are more likely to be out or away.

“Darkness falling early and the fact that there are less people outside gardening, washing cars or walking dogs also helps burglars select a target and break-in undetected so it is vital people are alert. Retired people who are at home during the day can play a huge part by having a glance out of the window every now and again, especially if they hear anything.

"Burglars are less likely to strike in a close-knit community where they feel residents will take an interest in strangers and investigate the sounds of glass breaking or alarms going off."

He added: “Police would never recommend confronting a burglar, but ringing 999 if a crime is in progress or thought to be in progress gives us the best chance of making an arrest, and no-one will get into trouble if it turns out to be a false alarm.”

Anyone with information about any of the burglaries can call 101 or ring charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.