A 16-YEAR-OLD Dudley youth has been arrested on suspicion of burglary as part of an early morning raid carried out by officers from two police forces.

The teenager was arrested along with a 17-year-old from Weoley Castle, Birmingham, by officers from West Mercia Police and West Midlands Police after warrants were issued.

A 17-year-old from Bartley Green, Birmingham, an 18-year-old from Rednal, a 20-year-old from Turves Green, Birmingham, an 18-year-old from Rubery, an 18-year-old from West Bromwich and a 24-year-old from Ladywood, Birmingham, were also arrested in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday February 12) in connection with burglary offences.

The arrests were made as part of an investigation into 45 burglaries/attempted burglaries that took place across Worcestershire, Shropshire and South Birmingham between December 17, 2019, and February 7, 2020, when car keys and 26 cars were stolen.

DC Kirsty Hill from West Mercia Police said: “Burglary can have a significant impact on victims and their families and I hope that this dedicated operation reassures our communities that we take these crimes seriously and will work with our neighbouring forces to ensure a coordinated and joint response to tackling them.

"Ten of the stolen vehicles have been recovered so far and our investigation very much still continues.”

All eight arrested men were taken into police custody.