The thieves, who
sneak in while people are at home, have fled with items including wallets, purses, mobile phones and car keys.
* CRIME WARNING - Householders have been warned to lock up or risk losing out by police as part of a new drive to prevent
sneak in burglaries.
It is estimated that a third of all break-ins in Birmingham happen because criminals are able to
sneak in through unlocked doors and windows.
With the warmer weather there has been a recent increase in premises and vehicles being left insecure by the owners/occupiers and a subsequent rise in
sneak in burglaries by opportunist thieves - as is evident from the incidents highlighted in our Crimewatch columns.
There has been a "significant" rise in the number of so-called '
sneak in' burglaries in the Aston, Erdington, Nechells and Washwood Heath areas in the hot spell over the past few weeks.
"Even if they
sneak in and steal the keys from one house, the car stolen later would be worth thousands of pounds.
Officers will also distribute advice leaflets providing practical information and a security checklist to help residents prevent '
sneak in' burglaries.
One in four burglaries is a '
sneak in' - mainly through doors which have been left either unlocked or open.
