DETECTIVES are trying to trace two brazen suspected thieves after a police van was broken into in Halesowen - during a car crime operation.

Detective Constable Darren Barnes said: "During the winter we see a spike in theft from cars and vans. Little do these thieves know that our ‘trick and trap’ vans are ready to capture crooks across the region.

"On this occasion our capture van was parked on Instone Road, Halesowen as part of an ongoing force wide operation into vehicle crime."

"A steel saw was stolen, but we captured the whole thing on CCTV which we’ve now released in a bid to trace the offenders."

If you have information contact Detective Constable Darren Barnes by emailing d.m.barnes@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk

DC Barnes added: "Remember to help us beat the car criminal by not leaving goods on show ready for a thief to steal."