Burgled family turns detective

The Whilocks say they have been burgled nine times

A family repeatedly burgled at their Staffordshire farmhouse have begun their own campaign to catch the culprits.

The Whilocks were stung into action after a barbecue set intended as a birthday present was taken in what they say is the ninth break-in at their home in Kingsley Moor, near Cheadle.

They put up a poster appealing for information outside the family farm and have already received seven calls about the break-in.

The Whilocks have also put up as a reward the £2,000 paid out by their insurance company.

'Really scary'

Chris Whilock told the BBC's Midlands Today programme he hoped their efforts will eventually result in a conviction.

"We've gathered information and evidence that we feel the police will be able to use.

The Whilocks put up their own sign appealing for information

"If we hadn't put (the poster) up I don't think we wouldn't have heard anything, it would just have been another burglary."

His daughter Chloe, 12, said the latest break-in, in which a barbecue set intended as her birthday present was taken, has left her shaken.

"It's really shocking and really scary because you keep thinking they're watching you."

A bike intended as a present for Chloe's younger brother Oakley was also taken.

Police, who say fewer burglaries are being committed in the area, have visited the Whilocks to give them security advice.