WANTED: Man suspected to have stolen £16k from vulnerable West Midlands pensioners

Detectives have released images of the man at an address in Bowstoke Road, Hamstead, where he claimed £300 for fictitious work and then pocketed an envelope containing another £1,000 whilst the 79-year-old woman's back was turned.

He struck at 9.30am on the morning of January 15 but police suspect he may be responsible for three similar cons in Wednesbury, Oldbury and Tipton just days earlier.

The man has also been linked to a burglary in Wednesbury, in which almost £4,000 was taken from under the nose of an 80-year-old woman, on January 8 and another in Oldbury on January 13 where £11,000 was stolen.

The following day a man matching the description forced his way into a 90-year-old man's home in Tipton but left empty handed when the plucky pensioner questioned his motives.

The suspect is described as white, around 40 years old, over 6ft tall, stocky build with a round, clean-shaven face. He was wearing a black woolly hat, black jacket, blue jeans and brown shoes. He spoke with a Midlands accent and was driving a large silver coloured vehicle, possibly a VW Passat.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Ken Crawford, said: "The CCTV footage shows him towering over the woman.

"He's clearly trying to intimidate her and bully her into allowing him access to the house.

"He made his way to the rear of the property and shortly after returned claiming he'd carried out work costing £300 - though he'd not lifted a finger.

"The trusting lady produced an envelope containing more than £1,000 in cash. He then distracted her by asking to see the CCTV system and managed to swipe the envelope.

"These are truly despicable crimes committed by someone who clearly has no conscience and is deliberately targeting older, more vulnerable members of the community.

"If anyone believes they recognise the man, have been approached with work offers by someone matching the description, or has seen someone similar driving a silver VW Passat, then I'd urge them to contact me immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to call DC 225 Ken Crawford at West Midlands Police by dialling 101 (ext 811 3078). Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.