Words by Ed King / Pics supplied by West Midlands Police, or taken from Erdington Local archives
A man has been arrested for a series of distraction burglaries, one of which left an elderly Erdington woman in a “serious condition” in hospital.
West Midlands Police confirmed they now have a 59 year old man in custody in connection with the robberies, which took place across Birmingham and the West Midlands, after raiding an address in South Yardley on Thursday 10 October.
At the time of writing, West Midlands Police could not confirm or deny if any charges for assault had also been made.
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police told: “A 59-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of 16 burglaries in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull and Wolverhampton. He’s currently in custody for questioning.
“We’ve been investigating a series of distraction burglaries over the last month with many targeting elderly victims. An 88-year-old woman was assaulted during one offence in Erdington.”
They added: “We’re grateful for all the support and information we’ve received from [the public] during our enquiries so far.”
Prior to any arrests being made, forces across the country had been chasing a 59 year old man named Bernard McDonagh (also known as Bernard Lovell) in connection with the crimes and for absconding from HMP Spring Hill – a Category D prison for male inmates in the village of Grendon Underwood, Buckinghamshire, over 60 miles from Erdington.
In previous a statement issued to Erdington Local, investigating officer Detective Constable Melanie Cannon from Thames Valley Police confirmed: “I am renewing our appeal for anyone with information on [Bernard McDonagh’s] whereabouts to contact Thames Valley Police online or by calling 101, quoting reference number 43220388450.
“Colleagues at West Midlands Police are also searching for McDonagh in connection with distraction burglaries targeting vulnerable elderly women in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Sandwell and Solihull.”
West Midlands Police could not release the name of the 59 year old man they now have in custody for the distraction burglaries, but following the arrest they did confirm to Erdington Local: “Bernard McDonagh is no longer wanted.”
In public statement West Midlands Police added: “We still want information about the distraction burglaries, and to hear from anyone else who has been a victim.
“You can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/819250/24.
“Alternatively, report information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”