Detectives hunt Asian man
A MAN who escaped from a building society with cash after telling a worker he was carrying a gun has been captured on CCTV.
Detectives are now hunting the Asian man following the raid on the West Bromwich Building Society in Smethwick on Monday 7 December.
The man walked into the High Street branch and told an assistant he had a gun even though he did not brandish one. He then ordered staff to hand over a quantity of cash which he put in a black plastic sports bag.
The thief then fled the building society, running along High Street in the direction of Oldbury.
Police said no one was injured in the incident but it had left staff “shaken-up”.
The man is described as Asian, aged 35 to 45, who was wearing dark coloured clothing, including a beanie hat. He also wore a pair of distinctive silver-framed glasses and was carrying the bag, which is thought to bear the logo JD Sports.
Detective constable Matt Dyer from Smethwick robbery team said: “These images are very clear and we are hopeful that someone will recognise the man concerned and get in touch.
“The staff were very distressed by what happened and we are keen to trace this offender, so we urge anyone with information to give us call.”
Anyone who is able to help the investigation should contact Smethwick robbery team on 0845 113 5000, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
