Salters Road, Walsall Wood, scene of the latest bag snatch, but take care anywhere in the local area. Imagery from Apple Maps.

Following last week’s awful news that a lady in Vicarage Road, Brownhills had her bag snatched it seems there’s a rash of such incidents ongoing, and I advise everyone to warn relatives and friends of the danger clearly currently present.

The following report was posted on WMNow last night by West Midlands Police Sergeant Mari Amos:

Mari Amos (Police, Sergeant, Walsall)

At about 1100hrs on Wednesday 10th May 2017 an elderly lady was the victim of a robbery whilst waiting at a bus stop on Salters Road, Walsall Wood.

The lady was approached by a man who has grabbed hold of her shopping bag and pulled it from causing her to fall to the floor.

The man then ran off with the bag.

The man is described as 18 to 20 years old, wearing black clothing. If you have any information about this incident please contact us quoting reference 20WS/96552Y/17.

In addition, there is the following report online from the Walsall Advertiser about the current issue:

VICTIMS have been left shaken after a spate of handbag thefts in Walsall.

Eight similar offences whereby a woman has been approached from behind and had her handbag snatched from her shoulder or out of her hand have been reported to Walsall Police in the last month alone.

The offences have occurred in Jesson Road (twice), Highgate Road, Emery Close, Sandwell Street, Birmingham Street, Butts Road and Buchanan Road, in some cases close to gullies, which the offender used to make his escape.

They have occurred at various times of the day, but always during daylight, and have left the victims shaken but without major injuries.

Most victims have been ‘older women’ however we understand at least two younger women have been targeted as well. The handbags have contained various items including purses and mobile phones.

Police are investigating the crimes and are keen to speak to anyone who may have information that may assist. them

Kevin Pitt, police, engagement and consultation officer, said: \Walsall Police are asking ladies to be on guard following a number of handbag snatches, mainly in the Highgate area, during the past month.

‘Minimise the risk of your handbag being snatched by keeping it close to the front of your body and be on the alert when you’re out and about. Carry the minimum amount of cash and if possible leave valuable items at home.

‘Unfortunately, due to the nature of the offences we do not have an accurate description of the offender who is likely to be a young white man. At the moment there is no evidence that the same person is committing all these crimes, however that is a possibility we are keeping in mind.

‘If you have any information that may assist the police investigation please contact us by dialling 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

Please, if you have any information, do speak to the cops. If you know who this scumbag 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.