Butcher wants thieves caught after hundreds of pounds of meat stolen

The crooks got in through the front door of Halls Butchers on Blackhalve Lane, Wednesfield, in the early hours of Monday morning, taking around £450 worth of beef, sirloin, pork and other meats.

Wayne Hall, who was meant to have been celebrating his one year anniversary of owning the butchers the following day, said the thieves should be caught very soon after being informed by customers that they had been offered meat in the area following the robbery.

He said: "It is obvious to me the people we are dealing with are not the brightest if they are trying to sell what they have stolen to my regular customers on the streets surrounding my shop.

"I am hopeful that it won't be long until they are caught."

The robbery took place between 1.30am and 1.39am on January 5.

Officers from West Midlands Police attended the scene to carry out forensic enquiries and speak to people in the area to establish if anything was seen.

Mr Hall said the majority of the meat taken had already been prepared by him, making it easier to then sell on.

He also said the robbery had left him concerned over the safety of his shop in future.

He said: "There have been a number of robberies in the area recently, so it was enough of a worry locking the shop up at night before this happened.

"Its always stressful because your business is your livelihood and keeping it safe is a major priority.

"Hopefully we will get to the bottom of this quickly."

West Midlands Police spokesperson Sarah Buxton said: "Police would like to warn people about the dangers of eating meat which has not come from a legitimate trader and would urge anyone who is offered the meat to call them on 101.

"People can also call the anonymous charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."