The charity Crimestoppers has offered a reward of up to £10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of an unidentified man believed to be linked to a campaign of robberies in Solihull. Over the past 12 months police have recorded more than 50 offences in which lone women and older, more vulnerable people have been targeted for gold jewellery.
Nature of the attacks
Victims have been approached from behind and subjected to significant physical violence as offenders took chains, bracelets and earrings. In several incidents people were knocked to the ground and struck to the head and face; some were even strangled. Despite the level of violence, Crimestoppers says many of the victims avoided life‑threatening injuries.
“This is a deeply concerning pattern of attacks against people who may be seen as more vulnerable, often carried out with little warning and using significant violence,”
The comment was made by Alan Edwards, West Midlands regional manager at Crimestoppers, who urged anyone with information to come forward anonymously.
How to pass information
People who can help are asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously: by calling 0800 555 111 or using the charity’s online form. The reward will only be paid where information is provided directly to Crimestoppers; calls and online reports to the charity are never traced or recorded. Anyone seeking the reward must request a reward code when they make contact and, if using the online route, should use the keeping in contact facility to request the code.
- Reward: Up to £10,000
- Number of offences reported: More than 50 in 12 months
- How to contact: Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or online
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time period | Past 12 months |
| Primary target | Lone women and older people |
| Objects taken | Gold chains, bracelets, earrings |
Local authorities and police forces rely on intelligence from the public to identify suspects in serial offences. While the reward and anonymity assurances are intended to encourage people with knowledge to come forward, any information passed to Crimestoppers must be direct to the charity to be eligible for payment — not reported first to the police.
Residents who recognise someone or who have dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage that may relate to any of these incidents are asked to make contact with Crimestoppers and request a reward code at the time of reporting.
Crimestoppers' intervention highlights community concern over a pattern of violent robberies that has persisted for a year. The charity’s appeal seeks to protect those most at risk and to disrupt a series of crimes which have left many feeling vulnerable in public spaces.
