Powder thrown at robbery victim

A pensioner was held at knife point and had washing powder thrown into his eyes after four men broke into his home in Smethwick.

Roy Brookes, aged 65, of Hales Crescent, was asleep when the gang kicked through the backdoor of his house, shattering the glass.

When he went to investigate the noise, the robbers flung washing powder into his face and threatened to stab him while they stole everything he owned of any value.

Despite the terrifying crime, Mr Brookes was not visited by Victim Support until two weeks later.

Mr Brookes said: "When I went to investigate the noise I had washing powder thrown in my face and I was punched and pushed backwards into a small pantry. I was then held at knife point for 20 minutes. When the knife holder disappeared, I managed to get myself up and as I went out of the front door I saw the robbers driving away with my camper van and my new quad bike that I use rather than one of those electric scooter things.

"This was not a run of the mill crime, I was at home when it happened. I am just very surprised how I have been treated."

Superintendent Gary Campbell from West Midlands Police said Victim Support was an important partner of the force and lessons would be learned from Mr Brookes's case.

Superintendent Campbell said: "We are aware of the concerns raised by the victim and have looked into the issues raised to determine any failure in our service delivery. We acknowledge there was a delay in Victim Support making contact with the family, and are looking into the reasons behind the delay and will update the victim as soon as we can establish what went wrong.

"Sandwell Police always strive to deliver the highest level of service to victims of crime, however on this occasion we acknowledge we have let the victim down. We have spoken to the victim to apologise for our failings and we will be making every effort to ensure we learn from this."

Superintendent Campbell added: "Victim Support are an integral partner for West Midlands Police and any learning that can come from this can only help us to improve the way we work together."

To help call police on 0845 113 5000.