Police have issued an urgent security alert to residents in some of the Midlands' most desirable and tranquil locations following a concerning spate of burglaries and high-value car thefts.
Affluent Areas Targeted in Overnight Raids
Over recent days, a series of coordinated raids has seen criminals target homes in the picturesque Staffordshire Moorlands and Newcastle-under-Lyme. These areas, frequently celebrated for their low crime rates and peaceful living, have been shaken by a wave of incidents focused on stealing luxury vehicles.
Detectives have revealed that around 20 burglaries or attempted burglaries were reported across the Moorlands in the last month alone. The thieves have shown a particular interest in high-end Audi and Lexus cars, often using stolen vehicles from one raid to commit further crimes.
Details of the Latest Incidents
In one of the most recent incidents, Staffordshire Police were called to Long Lane in Harriseahead at 1.50am on Friday, January 2nd. Four men were seen in the rear garden of a property. Two left in a black Audi A5 they had arrived in, while the other two entered a nearby home.
Using keys taken from the property, the pair stole a black Lexus before driving away in convoy with the Audi towards Biddulph. The suspects were described as dressed in black, with one in the Audi wearing a distinctive red bobble hat and another a grey coat. The stolen Lexus was later recovered abandoned on Newpool Terrace in Brown Lees.
This theft followed another reported in Biddulph on Thursday, January 1st. At around 6am, a red Audi S4 and a black Audi A5 were stolen with keys from outside a property off Well Street. CCTV captured three individuals on the driveway. Police believe one of these stolen Audis was then used in a subsequent theft in Kidsgrove.
Police Urge Residents to Increase Security
In response to the escalating pattern, detectives are urging all residents and drivers in the affected areas to be extra vigilant. The force has emphasised the basic but crucial step of ensuring both homes and vehicles are locked and secure at all times, even when occupants are inside.
The warning highlights a stark contrast for communities like the Moorlands, which are prized for their safety and stunning views. The police appeal underscores the need for heightened security measures to protect against this organised criminal activity targeting luxury cars and homes in these traditionally low-crime regions.
