CCTV shows man suspected of knifepoint robbery on Black Country pensioner
CCTV footage has been released showing a man believed to have threatened a pensioner with a knife in one of two robberies in West Bromwich.
Police released the footage of the suspect today after the elderly victims were targeted last week.
Detectives believe the man pictured carried out two crimes - first demanding cash from a couple on Monday and then stealing from an 80-year-old woman two days later.
They are now urging anybody who recognises him to come forward.
WATCH: CCTV shows robbery suspect
In the first incident, a man speaking with a Black Country accent pushed his way into the house of a 77-year-old man and his wife who were waiting for a delivery to be made shortly before 8pm.
The couple opened the front door after hearing a knock, expecting it to be their delivery.
However the man on the other side of the door pushed his way in, threatened the husband with a knife and demanded cash. He got away with £90.
The second incident happened less than a mile away at around 7.30pm on Wednesday.
An 80-year-old woman was opening the door to her house, having walked home from the bus, when a man appeared claiming he’d been mugged.
He asked to use the phone but when he got inside he forced the woman to lie on her bed while he searched her house.
He escaped with an unknown amount of cash and various sentimental items.
The suspect shown in the CCTV is described as white, around 5ft 5ins to 5ft 8ins tall, of large or stocky build.
According to the woman targeted in the second incident, the thief was wearing a black jacket with elasticated cuffs, black trousers and trainers. He had short brown or blonde hair and red cheeks.
Officers, who have yet to make an arrest, are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward and have stepped up patrols in West Bromwich.
Det Con James Finnegan, from West Midlands Police CID, said: “These are truly horrendous crimes committed by a dangerous person who has preyed on vulnerable people and left them extremely distressed.
“The man in the footage 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 is urged to contact police through their website or by calling 101, quoting crime reference numbers 20SW/231323T/18 or 20SW/233259H/18.
Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
