Moment elderly man is targeted in brazen 'distraction theft' in broad daylight on high street - as police launch appeal

By PATRICK HARRINGTON, UK NEWS REPORTER Published: 15:03, 4 August 2026 | Updated: 15:24, 4 August 2026 CCTV captured the moment a frail man in his eighties was robbed of a bag full of cash in a brazen town-centre distraction theft. Two crooks swooped on the gentleman after he emerged from a Lloyds Bank branch on Dudley High Street just before midday yesterday, ruthlessly collaborating to bewilder and rob him. Locals who rushed to the victim's aid told the Daily Mail they were 'absolutely sickened' that such a callous crime unfolded in broad daylight – and police are appealing for help finding the perpetrators. Footage shows one of the pair lying in wait on the high street pavement, three shops down from the bank, pretending to talk on the phone as the old man slowly approaches. He begins to pat and stroke the elderly man, apparently under the guise of helping him, using a tissue to wipe his forehead and along his arms. The crook steers the man to the side of the pavement, where he continues to fuss over him with what appear to be well-oiled distraction techniques. For more than two minutes, the thief touches and manhandles his target – swinging around the walking aid and pointing in different directions to confuse him. His accomplice appears and loiters behind the man – ready to pounce when the first thief dips into the man's frame and slips a blue plastic bag full of cash behind his back. One of the crooks steered the elderly man to the side of the road and distracted him for more than two minutes He yanked a blue plastic bag full of cash from the man's mobility walker and passed it to his accomplice  West Midlands Police are appealing for the public's help finding the two men Witnesses believe the thieves singled out the man as an easy target The pair then hurriedly make off across the road, leaving the old man helplessly pointing and rifling through his belongings. Phil Walters, who runs the Little Barrel bar next door with his partner Penny Corbett, was first on the scene to help. He told the Mail: 'I went outside as soon as I realised what had happened and spoke to the old man. He was very shaken and upset, he said: "I've been mugged." 'He had just been into Lloyds Bank and had put a wad of cash into his blue plastic bag, which is what they took. We don't know how much was in there. 'We offered for him to come inside and to call the police, but he was so shaken that he just wanted to get in his car and drive home to deal with it himself. 'He was so old and frail - I would say at least 80-years-old. 'I went into the bank as well and told them what had just happened, showed them the footage. They took our details but there was nothing they could immediately do.'  Ms Corbett said: 'It's so upsetting and shocking - who do you have to be to target a frail old man like that? I was absolutely sickened when I saw the footage. A second crook loiters behind the man's back until his accomplice passes a blue bag of cash behind The victim was left helplessly pointing at his assailants as they made off across the road with his money 'It seems like they singled him out because he looked like an easy target.  'Our CCTV shows the guy hanging around on the pavement while the gentleman goes into the bank, pretending to be on his phone, then goes straight up to him when he comes out. 'He starts patting him down with a cloth or something, and tries to confuse him by turning his frame. It makes me so angry.' West Midlands Police visited the pub today to review the CCTV footage, and want the public's help in identifying the two men. The force said: 'We’re appealing for the public’s help following a distraction theft on Dudley High Street, yesterday (3 Aug) at 11.58am. 'An elderly man, in his 80s, was walking along the high street when he was approached by two men and a carry bag of money was stolen from his mobility walker. 'We’re aware of a video circulating on social media showing this incident and a thorough investigation is underway. 'Officers are reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to local businesses and are supporting the victim. 'One man is described as having short dark hair and was wearing a long dark top and tracksuit bottoms. 'The other man was wearing a grey long sleeve top, a black baseball cap, tracksuit bottoms and bright blue shoes, with a short stubble beard and was carrying a large black bag. 'If you recognise them, have any information that could help us get in touch. 'We have a dedicated Neighbourhood Team who are patrolling the High Street to provide reassurance in the area. 'They are supported by our Local Action Teams who also carry out regular patrols in the town centre to provide a visible presence and respond to any concerns. 'Call 101 or use the Live Chat option on our website quoting crime number 20/349584/26. 'Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.'