Police and an independent charity have renewed appeals for information after West Midlands forces recorded more than 50 jewellery robberies in Solihull over the past year. Crimestoppers has announced a reward of up to £10,000 for information leading to the identification of a suspect described as a cyclist who has targeted women and elderly people.
What authorities say
West Midlands Police confirmed the pattern of offences and said investigators have been examining CCTV and stepping up patrols in affected areas, including both high-visibility patrols and plain-clothes officers. The force earlier publicised an incident in Chelmsley Wood in which an 80-year-old woman was knocked over and had a gold chain stolen.
"We want to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to get this individual in custody. We have increased our patrols in key locations, which includes both high visibility and plain clothes and we are continuing to review CCTV,"
Chief Inspector Jonathan Kiteley made the appeal to residents to be alert when out and about, to plan routes and keep valuables out of sight.
Charity offers reward and guarantees anonymity
Crimestoppers, which is independent of the police, has offered a cash reward and emphasised that anyone with information can report it anonymously. Alan Edwards, the charity’s West Midlands regional manager, said the attacks were a deeply concerning pattern often directed at people seen as more vulnerable.
"Someone will know who is responsible or have information about these incidents. If you do, please tell us anonymously and we'll pass it on for you. Your information could make a real difference in helping to protect others from harm,"
The charity states it does not ask for names or personal details and that information supplied cannot be traced back, aiming to remove barriers for people reluctant to speak directly to police.
Local impact and precautions
The scale and nature of the reported offences—targeting of women and older people, often by a cyclist who approaches and seizes jewellery—has prompted concern among residents, particularly in town and suburban centres where people frequently walk and run errands.
- Keep valuable items out of sight and avoid wearing prominent jewellery when possible.
- Plan routes and, when walking alone, use well-lit streets and avoid isolated paths.
- Report suspicious behaviour to police or pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers.
Officers continue to review CCTV footage as part of a wider investigation. The combination of enhanced policing activity and the charity’s reward is intended to encourage witnesses to come forward.
| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Number of reported robberies | More than 50 (past year) |
| Reward offered | Up to £10,000 (Crimestoppers) |
| Reported modus operandi | Suspect on a bicycle targeting jewellery from women and elderly people |
| High-profile incident | 80-year-old woman knocked over in Chelmsley Wood |
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact West Midlands Police or to provide details anonymously to Crimestoppers. The force and the charity are urging members of the public to come forward — even if they believe the information to be minor — as it may prove crucial to identifying the suspect and preventing further harm.
