POLICE have made several arrests this week as part of a drive to tackle burglaries in the borough.

Officers swooped on suspects after investigations into a series of burglaries reported over the last few months.

As a result a teenage boy has been charged with possession of a weapon; a girl and a man have also both been charged with burglary offences.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in connection with a burglary at a house on Norwich Road, Netherton, in March, in which a vehicle was stolen. A machete was also recovered as officers searched an address following the arrest.

The teenager was also subsequently charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a private place - and he will appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday July 3.

A 16-year-old girl was taken into custody on suspicion of burglary of a house in Stourbridge Road, Dudley, in February. She was charged with burglary with intent to steal and will appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday July 10.

Police also arrested a man in connection with a burglary at a home on Kingsley Street on Sunday (June 16). Awet Hazal, aged 33, was subsequently charged with burglary with intent to steal and has been remanded in custody.

Two other boys, aged 17 and 16, were arrested in connection with burglaries in Greenfields Road, Kingswinford, in April and Kent Street, Upper Gornal, earlier this month.

Both boys were questioned and subsequently released, with enquiries continuing.

Detective Sergeant Mark Dent, investigation supervisor with the West Midlands Police Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “We know burglary is an offence that causes great distress not just because of the hurt associated with having valuables stolen but also as a result of its intrusive nature.

“We’re pleased with recent results but we won’t let up in our efforts. Residents can also make life harder for burglars by taking steps to make their homes safer and I’d urge people to look up the crime prevention advice we offer on our website.”