Suspect in robberies captured on CCTV
Detectives have launched a hunt for a man who is believed to be behind a one-man crime wave – targeting a convenience store, bookmakers, post office and bingo halls.
The suspect was captured on CCTV at each location and always seemed to be wearing the same black top with what could be the distinctive Nike emblem.
The hood was pulled up during all but one of the offences. He is carrying what appears to be a shotgun hidden in a bin bag. The robber first struck at the One Stop Convenience Store in Middleway Green, Stowlawn, Bilston when he walked in on Sunday, August 31 at 9.52pm and threatened staff. They loaded cash into a bag with which he escaped on foot.
On Tuesday, September 17 he burst into Coral Bookmakers in Highfields Road, Bradley, at 8.52 pm, threatened staff and ran off with a bag of cash. The third raid occurred at Mecca Bingo on the Springvale Industrial Park in Bilston on Monday, September 23 at 7.35pm. Staff gave him some cash and he fled on foot.
Two days later came the failed raid on Rough Hay Post Office in Hall Street, Darlaston, which happened at 11.27am on Wednesday, September 25. He ran off empty handed to a grey or silver BMW. He struck again on Saturday, September 28 at 7.43pm at Gala Bingo in Steelmans Road, Darlaston and again made off with cash.
The wanted man is said to be a white male, aged between late 30s and up to 50 years, between 5 foot 7 inches and 5 foot 11 inches tall and of stocky build. His accent has been described as possibly Southern or London. On every occasion he has worn a waist length black hooded coat, jeans, trainers and light coloured or yellow gloves.
