A man wanted over a bag snatch in which a pensioner was dragged to the ground has been arrested after police traced him to an address yesterday (03/02).
Officers moved in at the property in Smethwick at 10am where they arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of robbery.
He’s being questioned about the attack on a 93-year-old woman in Bromford Gardens in Edgbaston, on 24 January in which a man pulled the pensioner to the floor before making off with her handbag.
Police released CCTV footage of the robbery, which prompted widespread condemnation from the public and helped officers identify a potential suspect.
And Sergeant Pete Sandhu from the Edgbaston Neighbourhood Team, thanked the public for their support.
He said: “People were understandably disgusted at what they saw in the video: a frail lady, using a walking stick, was attacked from behind and had her handbag torn from her grip.
“It’s a violent, callous offence on a vulnerable lady. Thankfully she wasn’t seriously hurt but the longer term impact of incidents like this – such as damaging the victim’s confidence and reassurance – can be very significant.
“A member of the public contacted us with the name of a likely suspect and, using other police intelligence, it led us to an address in Smethwick where a man was detained.”
Information from members of the public is vital in the fight against crime. Members of the public can contact police anytime by calling 101 or via Live Chat on the West Midlands Police website. To speak anonymously to someone people can call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
