A DISTINCTIVE piece of clothing worn by a thief who targeted a Dudley town bank is being linked to another two bank robberies around the Black Country.

The Royal Bank of Scotland in High Street was robbed on Christmas Eve, when a thief threatened staff with what is believed to be a handgun, before making off with a quantity of cash.

Today (Thursday 17) a robber struck at the West Bromwich Building Society on Walsall Road in West Bromwich, again holding what appeared to be a gun, before stealing cash.

And yesterday (Wednesday 16) a man entered the West Bromwich Building Society on Cape Hill in Smethwick, threatening staff with what is believed to be a gun concealed in a bag, but fled empty-handed after the alarm was raised.

On all three occasions the thief wore a high-visibility fluorescent padded jacket bearing a company logo.

During the most recent incidents he also tucked a sleeveless high-visibility jacket under a work hat in an attempt to cover his hair.

He is described as black around 6ft tall and of a heavy build.

Detective Constable Tony Jones, from Force CID, said: “The fluorescent jacket has a logo on the back of the vest which resembles a square with a roof over it and the letters TTY can be made out.

"If you think you know the company this relates to we would be keen to hear from you. This was a very upsetting ordeal for all involved and fortunately no-one was hurt."

Anyone with information should call DC Jones on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."