Officers have stepped up their efforts to find those responsible for a series of break-ins across the Black Country after more burglaries were reported last week.

Three masked men struck in Lower Gornal at the home of an 88-year-old man, where they searched the property but left empty-handed. An 80-year-old man suffered bruising after he was pushed in to a chair as three offenders forced their way into his home in Portobello, Wolverhampton. They stole just a small quantity of cash before fleeing in a small dark-coloured car.

In Fordhouses in Wolverhampton three men claiming to be from the gas board stole jewellery from an 86-year-old woman before making off in a small grey car and an 83-year-old woman had her phone snatched from her as she tried to call relatives for help, as two offenders claiming to be from the water board searched her home in Bilston.
 
In two other incidents in Kingswinford and Stourbridge, offenders are believed to have fled in a vehicle. A door and window were forced at the home of an 89-year-old woman before an untidy search was made, while in the second incident, a 69-year-old man discovered his front door had been kicked open and offenders were fleeing the scene.
 
A team of detectives are now working through CCTV and exploring forensic opportunities from the break-ins to help catch those responsible. Inspector Rod Rose, from force CID, said:

"These crimes, often targetting the elderly and frail, are devastating for the victims and abhorrant to us. So for officers across the Black Country identifying and arresting these offenders is a top priority.
 
"We are asking the public to help by reporting anything suspicious in their area. We would also ask people to keep a look-out for friends, relatives and neighbours, especially with the weather turning colder."
 
If you have any information about the on-going enquiry please get in touch via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk, between 8am and midnight, or call 101 anytime.

In an emergency dial 999 immediately.