Crimestoppers Offers £10k Reward In Betty Yates Enquiry

Betty YatesCrimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information to help solve a crime that saw a retired school teacher attacked with her own walking stick before being fatally stabbed.

The 77-year old pensioner, Betty Yates, was found in her cottage, off Dowles Road, Bewdley, and had suffered stab wounds to the neck, which are thought to be the cause of death.

Mrs Yates' body was found on 4 January, at the foot of the stairs of her Worcestershire home, by police who had been called after friends became concerned when she had missed an organised walk the day before.

West Mercia Police is treating the death as a murder, and have revealed that the property was secure when Mrs Yates was found dead.

Crimestoppers is offering this reward for information passed onto the charity anonymously that leads to an arrest and conviction.

Crimestoppers Regional Manager for the West Midlands, Pauline Hadley, said: "This cowardly attack is especially cruel with a defenceless elderly lady being murdered in her own home.  This is a shocking crime and someone knows who might have done this.

"On behalf of the devastated community we appeal for anyone with any information that might help find the murderer to contact Crimestoppers immediately.

"Your anonymity is guaranteed whether you call 0800 555 111 or fill in our online secure form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

"Tell us who is responsible so that we can bring peace for Mrs Yates friends and family."

The reward of up to £10,000 is offered for information provided to Crimestoppers through the anonymous number 0800 555 111 that leads to an arrest and conviction of the individual/s responsible for this specific crime.

Rewards can only be claimed for information that has been passed onto the anonymous Crimestoppers phone number. Rewards cannot be claimed for information coming through the online Crimestoppers form.

Issued:  Monday 23 January 2012