Man, 37, arrested for theft from cars in Malvern

Officers reacted to information that cars had been targeted in Orford Way, Malvern in the early hours of Thursday morning.

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As a result, West Mercia Police stepped up patrols in the area, conducting a proactive operation with the aim of catching the offender or offenders.

The Worcester News understands a suspect was arrested in Pickersleigh Grove in the early hours of this morning.

RESPONSE: DI Dave Knight says information from the public is vital in the fight against crime across Worcestershire. He says his officers will act on any intelligence they receive.

DI Dave Knight said: "As a result of a proactive operation overnight by patrol officers, a 37-year-old Malvern male was arrested in the early hours of today on suspicion of theft from motor vehicle.

"He is now in Worcester Police Custody and will be processed by South Worcestershire Police's Integrated Offender Management Team."

We reported yesterday how there had been a spike in vehicle crime with would-be thieves 'trying their luck' to break into as many cars as they can in one go.

The suspects tried to access cars in Orford Way, Malvern in the early hours of Thursday.

TARGETED: Cars in Orford Way, Malvern.

Police have urged the public to get in touch as soon as possible if they spot suspicious activity as time may be of the essence in catching the culprits.

Detective Sergeant Kris Stevens of West Mercia Police said: "I would urge members of the public to report any suspicious activity/criminal damage/interference to the police, no matter how trivial they think it might appear to be as this will always build a bigger picture and may well be linked to other criminal activity in the area.

"It appears that vehicles were being targeted in Orford Way, Malvern at around 1.30am with two people attempting to gain access to as many vehicles as possible."

DI Dave Knight of West Mercia Police, speaking on Thursday, said: "Vehicle crime has a significant impact on individuals with valuable items being lost as well as damage caused.

"Thankfully the use of CCTV and social media messaging is helping to identify offenders.

"West Mercia Police are committed to bringing these offenders to justice.

"The offending spree in Malvern in the early hours of today is believed to have been committed by local offenders. We have detectives working hard to locate and arrest these individuals."

Advice issued by police includes making sure cars are locked, not leaving windows open and not leaving valuables in cars overnight, particularly not leaving them on display.

Those with information should call West Mercia Police on 101. However, in the event of a crime in progress, they are advised to call 999.