In an urgent bid to solve a serious violent crime, the independent charity Crimestoppers has made a direct appeal to the Sikh community in the West Midlands. The organisation is specifically asking residents and business owners in the Oldbury area of Sandwell to check their private CCTV and doorbell camera footage.
The appeal centres on an incident that occurred on Sunday, 27 August 2023, where a man was seriously assaulted. The attack took place near the junction of Church Lane and Old Birmingham Road, a location situated close to several prominent Gurdwaras, making community cooperation essential.
A substantial reward of up to £3,000 is being offered for information that leads to the successful conviction of those responsible for the assault. Crimestoppers has emphasised that they need to see footage from the timeframe between 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm on the day of the incident.
Anonymity Guaranteed for Informants
Recognising the sensitive nature of coming forward, the charity has reinforced its founding principle: complete anonymity. "We don't ask for any personal details and cannot trace calls or track IP addresses," a spokesperson for Crimestoppers stated. This guarantee is designed to encourage people who may have crucial information but are reluctant to speak directly to the police to still come forward without fear.
The charity's appeal highlights the critical role that private CCTV can play in modern policing. "You may have captured something significant without even realising it," the spokesperson added, urging the community to review their recordings meticulously.
How to Submit Evidence
Individuals who find relevant footage are encouraged to contact Crimestoppers directly through their dedicated online portal or via their 24/7 telephone hotline. All information provided will be handled with the strictest confidence and passed on to the investigating officers at West Midlands Police without ever revealing the source.
This case underscores the ongoing collaboration between community vigilance and crime-fighting charities in supporting police work across the UK.
