Pensioner Robbed Of Gold Necklace In Alley At Walker's Heath

A pensioner walking her dog was injured when she tried to fight off a robber who stole her gold necklace in an alleyway at Walker's Heath, Birmingham.

It happened in broad daylight, shortly after 1pm on Saturday, 15 September.

Detectives from West Mercia Police are investigating and have appealed for witnesses and information from anyone who may be able to help identify the robber, who it is thought may be local.

The victim, who is in her 60s, had taken her dog for a walk along Chelworth Road and Walkers Heath Road before entering an alleyway leading to Hayle Close. En route she had seen a black man wearing a tracksuit in Harbinger Road who had said hello to her as they passed each other.

As she reached the end of the alley she was confronted by the same man who walked up to her and without saying anything grabbed at the necklace she was wearing. She tried to fight him off but dropped her walking stick and fell to the floor.

One of her fingers was broken and two others badly dislocated.

The robber fled with the woman's 18-inch, 9 carat gold curb chain which was of particular sentimental value to her.

He was described as aged in his early to mid 20s, about 5 feet 3 inches in height, and slim. He wore a dark blue baseball cap, a dark blue, zip-up tracksuit top with a turquoise stripe down the arms, matching  tracksuit bottoms with the same turquoise stripe down the outside of the legs, and dark trainers.   

Detective Constable Clare Pearson of Bromsgrove CID said: "The victim had walked that route for the past 35 years and has been left extremely shaken by this. She is now scared to go out alone.   

"This is a disgraceful crime and we are determined to track down the man responsible but we need help. The description of the tracksuit he was wearing is quite distinctive and we would like to hear from anyone who saw him in that area at the time.

"The fact he looped back round the estate to come face to face with her after they passed in Harbinger Road suggests he may be local or have local knowledge. If you suspect you know who he is then please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000, quoting incident reference 403-S-150912. Details can also be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Issued: Monday, 17 September 2012