SHOPKEEPERS are warned to be on their guard after reports of a group of Eastern European men and women attempting to distract workers and gain entry into shop offices and storage areas.

The group - thought to be part of a network operating across the country - is known to have struck at least twice in Wyre Forest.

A group of eight men and women turned up at Chaddesley Corbett Post Office on Thursday, November 6, but left after raising the suspicions of the owner by asking for different items.

They drove away towards Belbroughton in a red Ford Mondeo.

This followed a burglary at Marlpool Stores in Kidderminster on October 24.

A man and woman stole £1,400 from the shop after a group of adults and children distracted the shop assistant by asking for different items.

Anyone with information should contact Kidderminster Police on 08457 444888 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.