Newborn baby threatened in burglary terror

Jewellery worth tens of thousands of pounds has been stolen from homes across parts of the city in recent weeks, with intruders using violence or the threat of it. One of the break-ins was in Smethwick.

Police are investigating 28 crimes believed to have been carried out by a number of different groups unconnected to each other. Areas targeted include Smethwick, Yardley, Saltley, Balsall Heath, Erdington, Small Heath, Winson Green, Edgbaston, Alum Rock and Four Oaks.

There have also been break-ins in Washwood Heath, Kitts Green, Hall Green, Tyseley, Bordesley Green, Hodge Hill, Ward End and Moseley.

One victim was struck with a metal bar and others have been hit with fists, although no one has been seriously injured.

In one attack in Balsall Heath on November 8, a front door was forced in and a family ushered into a bedroom. The gang picked up and threatened to harm a newborn baby if they were not told where money was hidden, and knives were held to the throats of women in the house.

In another break-in, in Small Heath on November 21, a gang armed with screwdrivers took off a victim’s jewellery and squirted his hands with cleaning fluid.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with a raid on a home in College Road, Moseley. He remains on bail.

Detective Inspector Dave Keen, heading the investigation, said: “The spate we have seen recently is a real concern for me and we are doing everything we can to identify the criminals responsible.

“We’ve got a dedicated taskforce which is which is working on this literally 24 hours a day. We’ve got a lot of good lines of inquiry, and in the areas where these offences have happened, there’s a commitment to carry out special patrols, in conjunction with Central Motorway Patrol Group officers and dog handlers.

“It’s also very important that residents do as much as possible to protect their property.

“Asian traditions have always placed a strong emphasis on jewellery it plays an important role in many religious festivals as well as significant family occasions, with many items handed down through generations.

“These are not just highly valuable possessions; they are also of great sentimental worth and are a huge loss to their owners if such jewellery is taken. We’re issuing a warning to people owning valuable gold jewellery and urging them to take simple steps to protect it.

“We believe these criminals scope areas for homes that could be potential targets, I ask people to be aware of individuals or vehicles in their area acting suspiciously. If you are in any doubt, call police. Any information will help with our investigations into identifying and bringing those responsible for these burglaries to justice."

Anyone with information or who has been offered Asian or high value gold for sale is asked to call Det Sgt Tom Lyons at Stechford police station on 101. Alternatively information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.