AN increase in burglaries has been reported near Worcester as four teenagers are arrested in after a spate of raids to steal cars.

The increase in burglaries has been centred around Droitwich and Fernhill Heath and has included a number of car key burglaries. In total four arrests have been made, all involving teenagers. 

Through the course of the investigations, conducted by Proactive CID based at Worcester Police Station, two different groups of suspects have been identified and a number of arrests have now been made.

A 15-year-old from Droitwich has been arrested in connection with three car key burglaries in Droitwich and a further car key burglary in Kempsey.

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All stolen vehicles have been recovered and the youth has been bailed.

A 18-year-old from Droitwich has also been arrested in connection with one of the car key burglaries in the town. The youth has also been bailed.

Searches conducted in relation to these burglaries have recovered a number of stolen items that will be reunited with their owners in due course.

Arrests have also been made in connection with a reported car key burglary in Suffolk Close, Fernhill Heath, and a number of attempted burglary reports in the area.

An 18-year-old and a 15-year-old from Worcester have been arrested and are now on bail. A further 15-year-old from Worcester is currently in custody awaiting interview.

DS Grant Fraser of West Mercia Police's South Worcestershire Proactive CID said: “The team have been working hard to identify the suspects involved in the recent spate of burglary offences across South Worcestershire.

"The use of Door Cam footage has been extremely valuable in connecting reports and identifying suspects and we thank the members of the public who have come forward and provided us footage to date.

"A number of arrests have been made and it is envisaged that further arrests will be forthcoming as we look to crack down on those responsible. Where possible we will always look to charge and remand our suspects, sending them to court at the earliest opportunity in order to give the public some peace from those individuals that commit these offences.

"In this case, due to the young ages of the individuals involved, remanding to court has not been possible. In the instances where a charge and remand is not possible, we will apply bail conditions, including a curfew, in an effort to curb their offending. We would ask the public to remain vigilant and to ensure that their homes and vehicles are secure at all times and to continue to report any suspicious behaviour.”

These recent arrests follow on from South Worcestershire’s Pro-Active CID Burglary Team’s work last week where they arrested and secured charges against Sam Norman, a 35-year-old male from Pinvin, in connection with a burglary dwelling, burglary non-dwelling and fraud offences in Pinvin.