CRIMES are on the rise in Halesowen and shocking statistic show the worst type of offences are at their highest level in years.

Residents say they are concerned for their safety, especially after a gang of four people were seen breaking into a property in the Shell Corner area of the town - allegedly using machetes - in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday, August 1).

Despite the suspected burglary taking place at 12.30am, police did not attend the property in Belgrave Road - which was home to a small cannabis set up - until 4am, but a witness told the News officers were called while the incident was in progress.

A West Midlands Police spokesman confirmed no arrests have been made, but enquiries remain ongoing.

Police also attended an attempted burglary in Willowsbrook Road just after midnight, but it is not yet known if the two incidents are linked.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson called the crimes “truly harrowing” for the property owners, adding: “Quite understandably they will also have shocked and saddened people living nearby.

“But I am confident police are doing everything they can to respond to all incidents.”

According to the latest figures revealed by the Home Office, there were 105 incidences of the worst type of crime – violent crime or sexual offences – in the town reported to police during May this year.

That figure shows an increase of more than 54 per cent from the 68 cases reported during the same month in 2017 – and is the highest figure recorded in the Police.UK database for the area since 2015.

Overall reported crime across Halesowen has also increased to 381 incidents in May 2018, compared to 342 in April and 307 in March. Almost a 25 per cent rise in two months.

Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris said crime and anti-social behaviour is one of the biggest issues in his constituency at the moment.

He added: “Over the last few weeks and months I have been talking to hundreds of local residents about particular hotspots and incidents.

“I have recently met with both inspectors that cover our community to seek assurances on the work being done to reduce crime, and how members of the community and myself can help.

“Car crime in particular is an issue, which the police have had recent successes with arresting known car gangs.

“This is an important issue, and one in which I am taking very seriously to ensure that local residents feel safe.”

Residents took to social media in the aftermath of this morning’s burglaries, calling for police to do more to combat crime in the area.

But Mr Jamieson said the size of the force means it is “not adequately equipped to deal with every crime in the way that I and the public would like.”

He admitted: “I’m sad to say West Midlands Police is a much smaller force than it was in 2010. Since then it has lost 2,100 officers and £145 million from its budget.

“I have repeatedly called on the government to review its funding for police.”

Anyone with information regarding the Willowsbrook Road burglary should call 101 quoting log 21 of 1 August.