Masked raider threatens elderly brothers in Dudley home
A?masked raider threatened two frail pensioners in their own home before stealing precious photographs and a family heirloom.
Relatives of the victims today issued a heartfelt appeal for the return of the treasured items.
Police said the burglar entered the house, close to the former Dudley College Castle View Campus, and threatened the two brothers, aged 87 and 90, who are both housebound.
One of the men was pushed to the floor and the raider rifled through his pockets before turning his attention to searching other rooms in the house.
The intruder ran away after stealing a wooden police truncheon, which was given to the family as a gift just after the Second World War in 1946.
Family photos and a passport were also stolen in the burglary, which happened at around 8.30pm on March 17.
The victims' niece, Joy, from Sedgley, who asked to only be known by her first name for fear of reprisals, today described the attack as cowardly.
"We received a phone call to say my uncles' house had been burgled and were distraught," she said.
"I don't understand why anyone would want to do this. They are so vulnerable and obviously still upset about this.
"They are very independent, proud men who have worked hard all their lives and to be treated like this is terrible.
"Treasured family photos were taken and we would really like to get them back."
Detectives investigating the burglary today said they are continuing to act on a number of lines of inquiry that arose after the property was forensically examined.
Detective Constable Tony Jones, from Dudley CID, said officers are hunting for the attacker.
He is described as being around 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build and with a Jamaican-type accent.
"Fortunately the men were not seriously hurt but understandably have been left shaken by the ordeal," he added.
"I want people to put themselves in the family's shoes; what if this had happened to one of your loved ones you would want to make sure that we caught the culprit.
"If you have any information but wouldn't normally call police, please think again and make that call.
"Have you seen anyone with an old-fashioned wooden police truncheon or has anyone talked about this burglary?"
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
