OPPORTUNIST thieves took advantage of day-trippers enjoying the warm, Bank Holiday weekend weather at a beauty spot near Bromsgrove.

Five men have been arrested in connection with a number of thefts, which took place at the Lickey Hills Country Park on Monday, May 3.

"We had a number of offences reported to us that occurred on that day where cash and mobile phones were stolen," said Detective Inspector Paul Williamson.

The arrests were made in Rednal, Solihull, Wythall and Edgbaston on Monday. Detectives questioned the men later that day.

"West Mercia Constabulary treats robberies very seriously and we hope these arrests send out a clear message to those who insist on behaving in this way that we will pursue them, arrest them and put them before the courts.

He warned that the maximum penalty for people who threaten others to hand over their property is life imprisonment.

"We want to make sure that people's belongings stay with them," added DI Williamson.

He offered residents the following advice:

l Avoid wearing a lot of jewellery

l Use you mobile phone as discreetly as possible

l Do not wear your phone on your belt

l Avoid isolated areas

l Finally, if you feel threatened personal safety is more important that belongings.