Police are continuing their search for two suspects following a distraction theft on Dudley High Street, as new figures reveal that crime is on the rise in the area. The incident, which involved an elderly man in his 80s having a bag of money taken from his mobility walker, has sparked public outrage after CCTV footage was widely shared on social media.
Latest data from West Midlands Police shows that 463 crimes were reported in the Dudley Central police area in June 2026, up from 424 in June 2025. This represents an increase of approximately 9.2% year-on-year, making Dudley Central the neighbourhood police area with the highest level of reported crime in Dudley borough for that period. The second highest was Netherton, Quarry Bank and St Thomas, with 444 reported crimes.
Breakdown of Crime in Dudley Central
In Dudley Central, the town centre itself accounted for 201 reported crimes in June 2026. Of these, 69 involved violence or sexual offences, 42 were shoplifting incidents, and 14 were recorded as antisocial behaviour, with other types of crime making up the remainder.
In response to the rising crime levels, West Midlands Police have stated that officers are carrying out targeted patrols and working closely with businesses and the local council to tackle persistent offenders and antisocial behaviour. The force has also confirmed that visible patrols are being conducted in hotspot areas to address violent crime.
Netherton and Other Areas See Significant Crime Levels
In the Netherton area, specifically around Dixons Green and Kates Hill, a total of 286 crimes were recorded in June 2026. The top three types of crime in this area were violence or sexual offences (108 incidents), shoplifting (50 incidents), and criminal damage and arson (30 incidents).
Officers have outlined their plans to target pubs where stolen goods are known to be sold, as well as hotspot areas for illegal off-road bikes. They also intend to continue proactive patrols to deter burglary and car theft in the region.
Meanwhile, the lowest level of reported crime in the borough during June 2026 was in Stourbridge and Amblecote, where 159 offences were logged. This included 50 violent or sexual offences, 35 shoplifting incidents, and 34 other types of theft.
Falls in Crime in Halesowen and Stourbridge
Not all areas saw an increase in crime. In Halesowen, reported crime levels in June 2026 were down compared to the same month in 2025, falling from 407 to 350. Similarly, in the Stourbridge, Pedmore and Wollaston area, reported crime fell from 206 to 164 over the same period.
Public Outrage and Police Response
The distraction theft on Dudley High Street has provoked strong public reaction, particularly after CCTV footage of the incident was circulated on social media. The victim, a man in his 80s, was approached by two men who took a bag of money from his mobility walker.
One suspect is described as having short dark hair and wearing a long dark top and tracksuit bottoms. The other man was wearing a grey long-sleeved top, a black baseball cap, tracksuit bottoms, and bright blue shoes, and had a short stubble beard. He was also carrying a large black bag.
West Midlands Police said: "We have a dedicated Neighbourhood Team who are patrolling the High Street to provide reassurance in the area. They are supported by our Local Action Teams who also carry out regular patrols in the town centre to provide a visible presence and respond to any concerns."
Anyone with information is urged to contact police by calling 101, quoting crime number 20/349584/26, or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
