Crimestoppers has announced a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man suspected of more than 50 attacks on women and elderly people in Solihull over the past year. Victims have been strangled, punched, and knocked to the ground from behind before having their gold chains, bracelets, and earrings stolen.
Pattern of violence against vulnerable victims
The charity described the attacks as a 'deeply concerning pattern' targeting lone women and older residents. Many incidents involved the suspect approaching victims from behind and using significant violence. A CCTV image released by Crimestoppers shows a masked individual on a bicycle.
Alan Edwards, West Midlands regional manager at Crimestoppers, said: 'This is a deeply concerning pattern of attacks against people who may be seen as more vulnerable, often carried out with little warning and using significant violence. Someone will know who is responsible or have information about these incidents.'
Reward conditions and anonymity
The reward is only payable for information given directly to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect. Information passed to the police will not qualify. To claim the reward, callers must ask for a reward code when contacting the charity on 0800 555 111 or use the 'Keep in contact' facility via the online form and request the code on initial contact.
A Crimestoppers spokesperson added: 'Over the past 12 months, more than 50 offences have been reported, with lone women and more vulnerable older people targeted in the street for jewellery. Victims have been approached from behind and subjected to shocking levels of violence before items such as gold chains, bracelets, and earrings are stolen. The suspect remains unidentified, and now Crimestoppers is appealing directly to the public for anonymous information that could bring those responsible to justice and prevent further harm.'
Guaranteed anonymity
As an independent charity, Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity. They do not ask for names or personal details, and information cannot be traced. 'This means no police, no courts, no witness statements. You may think your information is insignificant, however it could make all the difference,' the spokesperson said.
