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Crooks are using thermal imaging cameras to select homes to target, police have warned.

West Midlands Police said Wolverhampton has seen a rise in burglaries where criminals have been using the device to detect heat cannabis factories.

Within three weeks (since December 16), 12 properties were targeted. However, two of those were not cannabis factories.

No-one has been injured in the raids, which have happened in Whitmore Reans, Parkfields, Blakenhall, and Pennfields areas.

Residents across the city have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

A spokesman for the force posted a photograph of an officer holding one of the cameras, alongside a post which read: "We’re appealing for information and for people to be vigilant following a number of burglaries in Wolverhampton where it is believed thermal imaging cameras have been used to identify cannabis factories.

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"If you see anyone with a camera or device that looks like one in the image or anyone acting suspiciously please call the police on 101."

Alternatively, people can get in touch via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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