Police have re-issued a warning to residents about the rising number of van thefts in the Wyre Forest area. 

West Mercia Police said the thefts, which are particularly targeting Ford Transits, are mostly happening between the hours of 11pm and 4am. 

The vehicles are also being stolen without keys. 

Officers are warning residents to review the security of their vehicles as they investigate the five incidents of van thefts that have happened in recent weeks. 

This includes a white Ford Transit being stolen between 2.30pm and 11.45pm on January 4 from an address in Kidderminster as well as a blue Ford Transit being stolen on the same day also in the town. 

Detective Sergeant Kelle Westwood, from North Worcestershire CID, said: "We are encouraging van owners to take extra security measures following this series of thefts to protect their vehicles from being stolen or broken into.

“Using a simple CCTV device monitoring your vehicle or a ring doorbell can help trace thieves but there are many ways you can prevent criminals from taking your van or car in the first place, like double-checking it is locked, putting the keys in a signal-blocking pouch, such as a Faraday Bag, fitting good steering wheel locks, pedal boxes or a gear stick lock and parking in a well-lit, open location.

“There is more information and advice on our website at www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/.”