Man, 55, arrested over distraction theft of elderly man in Dudley town centre that prompted fundraisers
The Metropolitan Police made the arrest
A 55-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a theft from an elderly man in Dudley town centre.
A man in his 80s was approached by two men in High Street and a carrier bag of money was stolen from his mobility walker at 11.58am on August 3.
West Midlands Police conducted enquiries which led it to work with the Metropolitan Police, whose officers arrested a 55-year-old man this morning (September 9).
He was arrested on suspicion of five counts of theft from the person.
The theft caused outrage in Dudley last month and the community rallied together to raise funds for the victim in at least three different fundraisers.
The man was welcomed to the Lockside Steakhouse in Wollaston on August 7 and was handed money that had been donated for him by locals.
Sergeant Mark Dent from Dudley’s Neighbourhood Crime Team said: “I want to thank everyone who shared our appeals for information about this case.
“I’m pleased that following joint work with other forces around the country a man has now been arrested.
“We understand the concerns this incident caused in the community, so I hope today’s result provides some reassurance that we will always do everything we can to investigate.
“Our enquiries into this case are continuing so I would again appeal to anyone with any information to come forward and speak to us.”