COPS carried out house to house inquiries after a spate of break-in's around Netherton and St Thomas's.

Uniformed and plain clothes police also stepped up patrols in the affected areas after eight burglaries were reported from just seven streets in less than two weeks.

Police say the mini crime wave may be linked to darker nights and officers are reminding people of simple steps to protect their property from opportunist thieves.

Sergeant Warren Lambeth, from St Thomas neighbourhood policing team, said: “To see eight burglaries in the last few weeks is incredibly unusual compared to the same time last year where four burglaries were reported across the whole of the neighbourhood.

“A lot of burglary happens because burglars see an opportunity – this could be an open window or unlocked door – or it could be that a house is in darkness.

“We would advise people to leave a light on when they go out if they are not returning back home until after dark. These simple measures can make all the difference.

“As the nights draw in we do see a traditional rise in the number of burglaries reported in the West Midlands.

“The majority of the burglaries are happening in the day or early evening and I would ask that if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area then please call us by dialling 101.”

A free home security advice leaflet is available from any police station or from www.safer-homes.org