Police have issued a warning to residents after a number plate was stolen from a vehicle in Redditch. 

West Mercia Police said they had received a report about a vehicle number plate being taken in the Matchborough area. 

Officers have now urged warned residents to stay vigilant and reminded them of the importance of reporting number plates thefts. 

This includes the fact their number plates could be used in crimes such as fuel thefts. 

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Please report the theft of vehicle number plates.  A criminal act could happen when your vehicle number plates are used. Please report to help protect yourself from a police investigation.

"We are also encouraging the community to call us on 101 if they see anyone acting suspiciously around a vehicle.

"If you have information about this or any other suspected crime, please let us know using the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on our website www.westmercia.police.uk.

"If you aren’t comfortable contacting us directly, you can pass on information anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting the website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."