West Midlands Police have launched a public appeal to identify a woman captured on CCTV wearing a distinctive Santa hat, following a distressing distraction theft targeting an elderly pensioner in Solihull.
Incident Details and Police Investigation
The victim, a woman in her 80s, was approached near Sears Retail Park in Solihull at approximately 1pm on Tuesday 23 December. She was asked for a charitable donation, a request that police believe was a deliberate ploy to distract her.
During this interaction, the perpetrator managed to steal a valuable gold necklace from the pensioner. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and police inquiries are actively ongoing as officers work to trace the individual responsible.
Public Appeal for Information
In an official statement, West Midlands Police said: "Recognise this woman? We’d like to speak to her after a distraction theft in Solihull. We’re carrying out a number of enquiries and are now asking for the public’s help in identifying the woman pictured."
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The public can contact police by calling 101 or using the Live Chat function on the West Midlands Police website, quoting crime reference number 20/485041/25.
Crime Prevention Advice from Police
While noting that violent crimes committed by strangers in public places remain relatively rare, West Midlands Police have issued practical safety advice to help residents protect themselves and their possessions.
Key recommendations include:
- Keeping valuables such as car keys, expensive jewellery, and mobile phones out of sight, particularly in busy shopping areas
- Ensuring bags remain closed and positioned close to your body
- Maintaining alertness if approached by strangers requesting charitable donations, directions, or other assistance
- Redirecting persistent individuals to nearby shops or businesses for help
- Moving to a safe public space or shop if someone invades your personal space, where staff can assist in contacting police
The police statement emphasised: "If you are approached by a stranger for directions, charitable donations, or something else, stay alert and where you can redirect them to a nearby shop or local business for help. If they are persistent or invade your personal space, go to a safe place like a shop or public space where someone can call the police."
For comprehensive crime prevention guidance, residents are encouraged to visit the West Midlands Police website and review their dedicated safety resources for when out in public.
