break-in(?)

That's my point exactly. Telling me he was black would not help me discern from any of the thousands of black geezers about. What purpose does this nugget of info serve here? Why did we even need a description of the perp? Are we going to form a posse and go in search of vigilante justice.

I agree, especially in media reports, it's not necessary most of the time. Especially when ethnicity/race/religion etc. has nothing to do with committed crime.
Press article stating that a Lithuanian under an influence of legal hights raped a Muslim middle aged African lady, a mother of 5 children, who was a failed asylum seeker doesn't bring anything to the table but a cheap thrill for the EDL members.