West Midlands Police are investigating four separate incidents in which vulnerable women were targeted for their gold jewellery in Birmingham, with the cases believed to be linked. The thefts occurred between July 28 and August 8 in the Lozells and Handsworth Wood areas.
According to the force, victims were approached by people in a car and then distracted before their gold jewellery was taken. Police have released images of a vehicle they want to trace in connection with the incidents.
Police appeal for footage and information
Officers are actively investigating, reviewing CCTV footage and analysing videos from social media as they work to bring those involved to justice. The force has appealed for anyone with relevant videos or information to come forward.
In a social media post, West Midlands Police stated: "Can you help our investigation into a series of thefts in Birmingham? We're investigating four separate incidents, which at this stage are believed to be linked, where gold jewellery was taken from vulnerable women in Lozells and Handsworth Wood, between 28 July and 8 August."
Reassurance patrols stepped up
The post continued: "We understand the victims were approached by people in a car, and then distracted, before gold jewellery was taken from them. Officers are actively investigating, carrying out a range of enquiries including reviewing CCTV footage and analysing videos from social media, as we work hard to bring those involved to justice."
"We don't underestimate the concern this has caused locally, and reassurance patrols have been stepped up. If you have any videos linked to these incidents – please share them with us. Likewise, if you have any information that could help our investigation, or recognise the vehicles pictured, please get in touch."
How to report information
Members of the public can provide information by calling 101 or using Live Chat on the WMP website, quoting crime reference 20/355075/26. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
