'Come back and see us in two days' time': What police told mugging victim who dialled 999 after his iPad and mobile were stolen

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Corey Taylor (pictured) was told to arrange an appointment to meet police officers two days after his phone and tablet were stolen

A mugging victim who dialled 999 minutes after he'd been robbed was told that officers couldn't respond and he should visit the police station two days later instead.

Corey Taylor's kit bag - which also contained a tablet computer - was nicked as he passed through Brierley Hill, in the West Midlands, on Friday. 

He chased the culprit, but after losing him diverted to his mother's house to phone 999 and get on-duty officers out right away.

However, despite offering a detailed description of where the robber was and what he was wearing, police told the 23-year-old to arrange an appointment - and to come to the station two days down the line.

Corey said: 'I went to the appointment but by then had given up hope of the bloke being caught.' 

When he attended the Sunday meeting, officers confirmed to him that neither his possessions - worth £450 - or the man who stole them had been found.

Unemployed Corey's mother Maxine, 48, said: 'I was livid. If that's the best the police can do what's the point?'

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: 'No description could be given of the offender.

'With limited information it was decided officers would speak to the victim at a time to suit him.'

Earlier this year it was revealed that police in some parts of London are having to take buses to investigate crimes because of a shortage of cars.

Staff at one station complain there are only two vehicles shared among dozens of detectives. And one officer has apparently retired rather than chase criminals without a car.

Meanwhile a rural police force announced it had asked recreational horseriders to patrol the countryside.

Corey, 23, made chase after the thief when his bag was taken from his arm as he passed through Brierley Hill (pictured), in the West Midlands, on Friday. He lost him, but made a quick dart to his mother's house to phone 999 and get on-duty officers out right away