Some odd stuff going down in The Wood at the moment… Imagery from Apple Maps.

Interested to note that yesterday, local police finally issued an alert about the man with the clipboard panhandling for money in the Brownhills and Walsall Wood area, claiming his vehicle has been towed and he needs to get somewhere else – usually Willenhall.

We discussed this man here on January 7th 2017 after a number of concerned people contacted me, and whilst I realise the issue isn’t huge, it was causing significant concern; sadly, I have been informed that when people tried contacting police initially, their concerns were dismissed, names not taken and suggestions made that mountains were being made out of molehills.

Another PR win there for local police.

Thankful, yesterday (20th January 2017), the police finally issued an alert via WMNow, the local alert system I encourage you all to sign up for – it’s easy and free – go here to do so.

Walsall Police wrote:

Tracy Ash (Police,PCSO,Walsall Aldridge NPT)

We have been made aware of a supicious Male in the Brownhills and Walsall Wood area. There have been several reports of a white male in his fifties with ginger/blonde hair, of average build and height. He was wearing a black bomber jacket, possibly has a northern accent and carrying a clip board.

He is stopping members of the public and saying his lorry has broken down and needs money to get to Willenhall.

Do not give this male any money and if he is seen or you have any information as to the identity of this man, please call the non emergency number 101.

Whilst I appreciate there may be more pressing matters, I feel it’s important for police to listen to their communities and this is clearly worrying a fair number of people. Dismissing their concerns out of hand doesn’t help anyone.

Please, if you have any information, do speak to the cops, and do report every incident – the more people report incidents, the more likely they are to be tackled.

If you know who the culprits might be, or if you saw anything at all, please do contact West Midlands Police by dialling 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.