SHOPKEEPERS are being warned to be on their guard following a spate of suspicious incidents in Bromsgrove.

Police have received reports that a group of Eastern European men and women have been visiting small shops and post offices and behaving in a strange way.

A couple of them are asking for an unusual item to distract the shopkeeper, while the others try to get into the office or storage areas.

Last Thursday at 1.05pm, three men and two women called at the One Stop Shop in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove.

One of the women asked for a brand of baby milk not stocked by the shop while another group member tried unsuccessfully to access the office area.

The group then made off in a red Ford Mondeo, which drove up the Worcester Road towards the town centre. At 1.15pm, the same day, a group of eight Eastern European men and women called at Chaddesley Corbett post office, in the village.

Members of the group all asked for different items, which alerted the suspicious of the owner and they left with nothing, driving off in a red Ford Mondeo towards Belbroughton.

A burglary by a similar group of Eastern Europeans was reporter at Marlpool Stores in Kidderminster on October 24.

PC Brian Mortelmans said: "Local shop owners need to be aware that these groups are operating in the area and should warn their staff to stay vigilant."

Anyone with information about these incidents is urged to call 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.