POLICE will this month focus on a Bromsgrove village in their continuing crackdown on car crime and burglary.

Operation Hawk Eye Three, first launched in September 2001, will mean high profile policing in Bromsgrove, particularly Catshill.

Sgt Mike Patz said: "We are aware there have been a number of reports of cars that have been broken into and some have been stolen in Catshill in the last few months and we shall be focussing on this.

"We are also working with the division's analysts to build up any crime patterns which may be occurring in the area."

However, the police are keen for people to help themselves by ensuring valuables such as mobiles, laptops and bags are out of sight and put in the boot of the car, so as to not tempt thieves.

Sgt Patz added: "With the winter mornings we are advising people not to leave their engines running to defrost the windscreens as an opportunist thief may be passing and again this is easy picking for them.

"Even when you're posting a letter or going to the cash point machine, keys should never be left in the ignition and to rub salt into the wound your insurance claim may be effected."

The initiative will continue until the end of the month when it will be reviewed.