Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police, or taken from Erdington Local archives
Police have released the name of man they want to talk to in relation to a series of distraction burglaries – one of which left on elderly Erdington woman in a “serious condition” in hospital.
Detectives investigating a number of crimes across Birmingham, Sandwell, and Solihull, are looking for Bernard McDonagh – also known as Bernard Lovell.
Distraction burglaries are where the offender pretends to someone in a position of authority or trust – such as a council official, tradesperson, or a member of the emergency services – to gain access to the victim’s house and steal cash, jewellery, and personal belongings.
The recent spate across the region have told reports of a man posing as a city officer or member of the local water company telling the victims he needs entry to their home “to check their taps”, with elderly women being targeted.
After a number of enquires, detectives involved in the investigation want to speak to Bernard McDonagh and have asked the public to get in touch if they can help track him down.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “We need to speak to Bernard McDonagh, who’s also known as Bernard Lovell, aged 59, over the offences.
“Elderly women have been targeted by a man posing as a council official or an employee for a water company, stating that he needs to check their taps.”
They added: “During one of the incidents, an 88-year-old woman was assaulted at her address in Erdington, and she remains in hospital in a serious condition.
“Detectives have carried out a number of enquiries and now need to speak to McDonagh.”
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr Bernard McDonagh, also known as Bernard Lovell, have been asked to call 999 immediately – or by calling 101 quoting crime investigation number 20/819250/24.
Information can also be given via the West Midlands Police Live chat on the WMP website: www.westmidlands.police.uk
Alternatively, reports can be made anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Video of distraction burglary suspect released by west Midlands Police