Incident Overview
West Midlands Police are appealing for information after an attempted robbery outside a coffee shop in Birmingham. The incident took place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at approximately 7:30 PM near a coffee shop on Harborne Road, Edgbaston. A man approached a customer outside the premises and demanded cash, but the victim refused and the suspect fled the scene empty-handed.
According to police, the suspect is described as a white male, around 5 feet 10 inches tall, of medium build, wearing a dark hooded top and jeans. He was last seen running towards the direction of the Birmingham Canal. No weapons were reported, and the victim was not injured.
Police Investigation
Officers have been reviewing CCTV footage from the area and are conducting house-to-house inquiries. Detective Sergeant Mark Watkins of West Midlands Police said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim, who was simply leaving a coffee shop. We are determined to trace the suspect and bring them to justice. We urge anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to come forward.”
Police are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was in the vicinity at the time, especially motorists with dashcam footage. The investigation is ongoing, and patrols have been increased in the area to reassure the public.
Community Impact
The attempted robbery has caused concern among local residents and business owners. The coffee shop, a popular spot in the area, has seen a temporary dip in evening trade. Local businesses have been advised to review their security measures. Community groups have also offered support to the victim, who is receiving counselling.
West Midlands Police have reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. They also advise people to be aware of their surroundings, especially when using cash machines or leaving establishments alone at night.
Appeal for Information
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police via 101 or the Live Chat function on their website, quoting crime reference 20/1001836/24. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The police are appealing for dashcam footage from Harborne Road between 7:15 PM and 7:45 PM on November 15.
