Women targeted in gold thefts in Smethwick

Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery has been stolen from women in a spate of robberies across Smethwick in recent weeks, police said today.

Robbers have struck seven times in the past fortnight in the town, on most occasions in broad daylight, snatching gold chains from women out on the streets shopping or at bus stops.

Officers believe more than one person is responsible for the thefts and descriptions of the robbers vary.

They are particularly targeting Asian women who openly display jewellery. Women were today warned to be on their guard.

The first attack happened on September 3 on High Street at 11am. There were then three robberies on September 7. The first was in Victoria Park at noon followed by one at 1.15pm in High Street. Another woman was targeted at 5.45pm on Mill Hill.

Another robbery happened on Saturday at 4.25pm on Cemetery Road.

On Monday jewellery was snatched in a robbery at 8.50pm on Edgbaston Road, while the most recent happened on Bearwood Road at 2.30pm on Tuesday.

Sgt Vicky McHugh said: "We would like to reassure people that we are taking the matter very seriously. We would appeal to Asian women to be vigilant out on the street and help protect themselves by keeping jewellery out of sight." Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111