Elderly targeted in 'horrendous' West Bromwich robberies
Two 'horrendous' robberies were carried out on elderly people in West Bromwich – with one victim threatened with a knife in his own home.
Police think the same man carried out both crimes, which happened within days of each other.
They are urging people with any information to come forward.
The first incident happened last Monday, October 8 in Wilford Road, West Bromwich just before 8pm.
The victim, aged 77, and his wife were waiting for a delivery to be made. They heard a knock at the door and opened it expecting it to be their delivery. A man pushed his way into the house and threatened the victim with a knife and demanded cash.
In fear the victim handed over around £90 in cash.
The second robbery took place just two days later, on Wednesday, October 10 at around 7:30pm in nearby David Harman Drive in the Charlemont Farm area of West Bromwich.
Mugged
A 80-year-old woman had got off a bus and walked home. She was opening the door to her house when a man appeared and said he had been mugged. He asked to use the phone and but when he got inside he forced the victim to lie on her bed while he searched her house.
He escaped with various sentimental items and cash.
The suspect is thought to be responsible for both crimes and is described as white, around 5ft 5ins to 5ft 8ins tall, of fat or stocky build with a Black Country accent.
In the second incident the victim described him as wearing a black jacket with elasticated cuffs, black trousers and trainers. He had short brown or blonde hair and red cheeks.
An investigation has been launched and officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. Reassurance patrols are also being stepped up in the area.
DC James Finnegan, from Force CID, said: “These are truly horrendous crimes committed by a dangerous person who has preyed on vulnerable people and left them extremely distressed.
“He’s threatened elderly people in their own homes which should be a place of safety, this is a despicable act.
“He is fairly distinctive in his looks and will be known by local members of the community.
"We are determined to find this man and I would urge anybody who can assist our enquiries to get in touch as soon as possible."
Anyone with information can call 101 quoting crime reference numbers 20SW/231323T/18 or 20SW/233259H/18.
