TV snatched from home of ill Wolverhampton pensioner
A thief crept into the Wolverhampton home of a terminally-ill pensioner before stealing his 43in television and heaving it off down the road, city police officers revealed today.
Shadowy CCTV images show the burglar struggling to carry the hefty Samsung plasma TV which he had wrapped in a blanket in Wootton Avenue, Wednesfield, moments after he had taken it from the home of a cancer sufferer.
Police said the 67-year-old victim had left his front door unlocked to allow his carer early-morning access but instead a callous thief took advantage and sneaked inside.
Pc Stuart McNeil, who is investigating, said: "The victim was asleep upstairs when he was woken up by a noise outside. He looked through his bedroom window to see a man walking down the road with a large covered item.
"Only around an hour later did he call police on realising his television was missing.
"The offender is seen on CCTV as he carries the TV along Wootton Avenue and into Ridge Lane. We're sure several people, maybe commuters, would have driven past the man and there is also a bus stop along the route he walked. It's likely he would have taken it to a local address or loaded it into a car.
"He was clearly struggling to carry the TV and would have been fairly conspicuous. If anyone remembers seeing him then I'd urge them to contact police. Also, if anyone knows someone who's recently come across a Samsung 43in plasma TV, one without any packaging, then I'd ask them to call us."
The offender was a white man believed to be in his 20s, around 5ft 8ins, of medium or stocky build, clean shaven and with short dark hair. He was wearing a grey hooded top and a navy blue puffer jacket.
One man has been arrested by investigating officers in connection with the break-in but was later released without charge.
The theft took place between 7am and 7.15am on Tuesday, February 5.
Anyone with information is urged to call Wolverhampton CID on the 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, said he had ordered new locks for the doors to his house and given keys to carers to avoid being preyed upon again.
The man, who was diagnosed with terminal cancer three years ago, said: "I was angry when I found out what happened. I followed the thief's trail down the road and saw the blankets I normally wrap around my legs at home, outside another house, which is what the TV was wrapped up in.
"I don't normally walk that far in three or four days – I just come and go to the hospital, dentists and go to the shop over the road – but I walked that far with my walking stick to follow him because my blood was boiling that much."
The man has now had to borrow a television from his son because he could not afford to replace the stolen TV.
