Up-to-£10,000 reward offered for info on mystery strangler behind dozens of vicious attacks in West Midlands
The suspect remains unidentified after more than 50 assaults
A reward of up to £10,000 is being offered for information that helps find and convict a man who has carried out dozens of attacks on women and elderly people in the West Midlands.
Over the past 12 months more than 50 assaults have been reported in Solihull, with lone women and more vulnerable older people targeted in the street for jewellery. Police have stepped up their patrols in “key locations” in a bid to catch the man.
The victims were approached from behind and subjected to “shocking levels of violence” before items including gold chains, bracelets and earrings were stolen, Crimestoppers said.
In several cases victims have been knocked to the ground, hit on the head and face, and in some instances strangled. Despite the severity of the attacks, many victims have avoided life-threatening injuries.
West Midlands Police issued an appeal for information earlier this month after an elderly woman was knocked over in Chelmsley Wood and had a gold chain stolen.
The suspect remains unidentified, and now Crimestoppers is appealing directly to the public for anonymous information that could bring those responsible to justice and prevent further harm.
Crimestoppers West Midlands regional manager Alan Edwards said: “This is a deeply concerning pattern of attacks against people who may be seen as more vulnerable, often carried out with little warning and using significant violence.
“Someone will know who is responsible or have information about these incidents. If you do, please tell us anonymously and we’ll pass it on for you.
“Your information could make a real difference in helping to protect others from harm.”
The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to police. A reward code must be asked for when calling on 0800 555 111.
If reporting online, the ‘Keep in contact’ facility must be used, and a reward code must be requested on initial contact.
As an independent charity, Crimestoppers guarantees complete anonymity. The charity does not ask for names or personal details of people who get in touch. Around 10 people are arrested and charged every day as a result of information given to Crimestoppers.
Chief Inspector Jonathan Kiteley from Solihull Police said: “We want to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to get this individual in custody.
“We have increased our patrols in key locations which includes both high visibility and plain clothes and we are continuing to review CCTV.