The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) and Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £10,000 to identify a man believed responsible for a series of robberies across Birmingham and the Black Country.

A total of 12 robberies were committed in the eight months between March 30 and November 26 across nine c-stores and supermarkets. One store was targeted on three evenings.

The incidents involved a man forcing cash from the till armed with a black handgun. Detectives have released audio of the suspect in the hope that it will give a clue to his identity.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Retailers are too often subjected to abuse and threatening behaviour as part of their jobs, which is absolutely unacceptable. We urge anyone with information about the people behind these crimes to come forward and talk to Crimestoppers.”

Crimestoppers director of operations Roger Critchell said: “Serial offenders like this need to be stopped. The fact this individual has threatened staff with a weapon indicates he does not care who he harms, so I would ask to stand up for your community and convenience store and contact us anonymously with information on who is responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

A list of the armed robberies on stores:

30 March - Howley Grange Road, Halesowen between 9.10pm and 9.16pm

13 April - Chester Road, Erdington between 9.50pm and 9.56pm

8 July - Chester Road, Erdington between 8.28pm and 8.33pm.

23 July - Edgewood Road, Rednal between 9.50pm and 9.55pm

17 August - Howley Grange Road, Halesowen between 9.15pm and 9.29pm

7 September - Alvechurch Road, West Heath, Birmingham between 9.55pm and 10pm

12 September - High Street, Wollaston, Stourbridge between 10.15pm and 10.24pm

21 September - Springfield Road, Walmley, Birmingham between 9.50pm and 9.55pm

12 November - Castle Road, Oldbury between 9.30pm and 9.39pm

21 November - Highgate Road, Brierley Hill, Dudley between 7.45pm and 7.56pm

26 November - Chester Road, Erdington between 7.15pm and 7.20pm

26 November - Buffery Road, Dixons Green, Dudley between 8.20pm and 8.32pm

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