West Midlands Police are investigating more than 40 robberies that have occurred over the last year, which they have linked. These incidents have predominantly targeted women for their gold jewellery, including bracelets and necklaces.
Victims have described masked attackers, with one woman, Eve, 78, recounting how a masked man grabbed her arm and stole her bracelets in April. Another victim, Sultana, described a man on a bike, wearing all black with a balaclava and gloves, who demanded gold jewellery from her and her sister.
Detective Inspector Stuart Lewis stated that police are keeping an open mind regarding the number of people involved, noting variations in victim descriptions of the robber. Descriptions have ranged from a man in his 20s to his 30s, predominantly of stocky build, and described as either a white male or a light-skinned black male.
The robberies are believed to be concentrated in the Chelmsley Wood and Smith's Wood areas of Solihull. Crimestoppers is offering a £10,000 reward for information that helps identify those responsible. So far, three people have been arrested in connection with the investigation, with one bailed and two released.