Thieves putting fake jewellery around necks of women as old as 90 as they steal their necklaces
Thieves are putting fake jewellery around the neck's of elderly women as they steal their jewellery, it was revealed today.
Victims as old as 90 have been targeted by a gang of Eastern European thieves in the Dudley area.
In one incident, on February 10, a woman aged 90 was approached by two women and a man in a car who were asking for directions on Avondale Close, Kingswinford.
The women got out of the car to thank her for providing directions and placed fake gold chains around her neck while they stole her own jewellery.
Another woman aged 72 was targeted on Malt Mill Lane, Halesowen, on February 1, and the final victim,79, was targeted on Prospect Road, Lower Gornal, on the same day as the oldest victim.
West Midlands Police said: "The suspects have been described as Eastern European and aged in their mid 40s. The man has a black beard and is always the driver.
"Officers are appealing to anyone who has elderly relatives or neighbours to pass the message on and make sure they are aware that people are operating in this way in the area."
Call PC Elinore Haden at Brierley Hill police station on 101 or via contactus@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk
Information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
