Police too busy, so we'll find golf shop thief

Taking matters into its own hands, Penn Golf Club has released these CCTV in a bid to catch the culprit, who is believed to be targeting clubs across the Black Country and Staffordshire.

The smooth criminal swiped three Galvin Green suits and a jumper after loitering around the Penn pro shop on Monday. But, after reporting it to the police, staff were told the force would not be able to send any officers out for another five days.

Employees have now taken it upon themselves to solve the crime and have turned to social media for help, posting the pictures on Twitter and urging people to retweet them.

And they have been inundated with responses - with other golf clubs recognising his picture and claiming he's done it to them as well.

In what could be a very modern tale of justice, they also believe they have a registration plate for the car - all from putting his picture on Twitter.

Mark Butler, from the Mark Butler Golf Academy, is pro player at Penn and runs the shop.

His wife Nicky, who also works there, said of the police's non-involvement: "They said they were too busy so we're doing it ourselves.

"They know we've got the clear CCTV images but I don't think theft is that important as they get it all the time.

"It's been a frenzy since we put the pictures online, loads of people are getting in touch and some are suggesting this guy has done it before."

Clubs in Bloxwich and Shirley said they recognised the man, Mrs Butler said.

The Galvin Green suits are black, while the stolen jumper was light blue.

Liam Butler, son of Mark, said: "He doesn't look like your average thief.

"He came in smartly dressed and was chatting away to my dad.

"The man said he was meeting someone there, he kept watching people tee off.

"My dad came back into the shop and the clothes had gone. He ran off to the car park but the man was nowhere to be seen.

"Nothing like this has ever happened to us before, no one's ever stolen anything.

"We phoned the police but they won't send someone out until Saturday."

The man, who had a black coat on his arm which he used to cover the stolen clothes, told Mr Butler he was from Sutton Coldfield doing business in the area and meeting a member at Penn.

Mrs Butler said he had put the exact same story to another golf club.

The theft happened at around 1.30pm on Monday and the man is said to be in his 50s.

Staffordshire Police was unavailable to comment.