Officers leave note ‘reference vehicle and cannabis left in the garage’

Officers investigating a robbery have written an “on-screen” message for bungling machete-wielding ram raiders – on a stolen motor they left behind.

West Midlands Police has asked the suspects “for a chat” after they smashed their way into a lock-up in Tividale, Sandwell on Sunday afternoon.  

The force responded after receiving a 999 call from the public, reporting a vehicle reversing into the shutters of an industrial unit.

The message, etched on a dust-laden car windscreen, suggested the culprits contact police about the stolen car and 2kg of cannabis “left behind".

Tweeting another message to the suspected robbers, West Midlands Force Response said: "I want a word with you.

"Was it you who rammed into the shutters of a unit in Tividale this afternoon waving machetes around?

"You've left your stolen car and a load of cannabis behind. Come and have a chat with me, I'll be kind... honest."

A suspected stolen Land Rover was also recovered by police from the unit.

Two men wearing face coverings are understood to have entered the premises before making off in another car.