POLICE have ruled out a recent spate of car crimes in Warndon Villages may be due to a gang targeting the area and say they don’t believe the break ins are linked.

In the latest crime, thieves broke into a vehicle in Topham Avenue overnight, into the early hours of Monday morning (October 18).

That same morning a resident of Wood Leason Avenue, Lyppard Hanford, said he was woken up by the alarm of his car going off on his driveway, and discovered a break and shattered car window at 3am on Monday morning (October 18).

Inspector Fergus Green said: "Such offences can be really distressing and impactive for the victims and I understand that three or four similar reports over a four month period might give rise to a concern that this area is being targeted by a gang or similar – however the MO and circumstance is very different for each offence and we have no reason to believe they are linked.

"While it is absolutely the role of police to investigate such offences I would also encourage vehicle owners to ensure they do not leave valuables on display and do not leave keys for the vehicle inside the vehicle unattended; often offenders are opportunistic, by removing the opportunity we can prevent the crime."

Andy Roberts, Worcestershire county councillor for Warndon, said he was very concerned about the recent spate.

"Extra patrols are being done," Cllr Roberts said.

"My feeling is that this is down to a single criminal and, with the police and community working together, he will be caught.

"In the meantime we have to play our part by being vigilant and not advertising valuables by leaving them in sight.

"Obviously this matter is of local concern.

"I intend to meet the police to go through matters.

"The value of what is stolen may be far outweighed by the damage and inconvenience caused."

Earlier this month a brazen thief was filmed trying to break into cars in Warndon Villages. On that occasion the thieves made off with two pairs of expensive headphones in Debdale Avenue and rummaged through glove boxes and coin holders of several vehicles.

In July two vehicles were stolen from driveways of properties in the area, while in August Paul Bennett said he discovered his car had been broken into on his drive at his home also in Wood Leason Avenue.

Frustrated residents took to social media to comment on the break ins.

Louise Parker said: "Just had my car broken into. £250 stolen out of the car. Heartbroken."

Emma Staite said: "Someone trying car handles on a push bike at 2am Saturday morning in Warndon as well."

Ivor Bellingham said: "The police do not do nothing about it. The police just give a crime number and that is it they don’t even come out to the car."