Police have launched a public appeal for information after a 90-year-old man was targeted by thieves who stole £3,000 from the boot of his car in broad daylight.
The Distressing Daylight Robbery
The incident occurred on Stone Street in Dudley, West Midlands, at approximately 10.20am on October 20. The elderly victim had just withdrawn the substantial sum of money from a nearby bank. CCTV footage released by the authorities shows the man, using a walking stick for support, carefully placing a blue plastic bag containing the cash into his car's boot.
After closing the boot, the man slowly made his way to the driver's side door. As he was attempting to get into his seat, a criminal seized the opportunity. The footage captures the moment a man approaches the vehicle from behind, slightly opens the boot, and after a furtive glance to check if he is being watched, swiftly grabs the bag of cash.
The entire theft took place just a few feet away from the elderly victim as he was preoccupied with entering his car, completely unaware of the crime unfolding behind him.
Police Hunt for Three Suspects
West Midlands Police (WMP) have connected three men to the callous theft and have released CCTV images in the hope that the public can help identify them. The images show one man wearing a flat cap entering a store, another individual in a red woolly hat walking on the pavement, and a third suspect standing in the street in a long black padded coat.
According to the police investigation, all three men were seen in the area following the victim prior to the theft, suggesting the elderly man was deliberately targeted after leaving the bank.
A Plea for Information from the Public
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police stated: "We're asking for the public's help to identify three men after a 90-year-old man had £3,000 stolen from his car. The victim had just withdrawn the money and placed the cash along with other documents into the boot of his car."
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. You can contact them by:
- Calling 101 and quoting crime reference number 20/415816/25.
- Using the Live Chat function on the West Midlands Police website.
- Calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
