29
Apr
2014
By Calvin at 09:32 GMT, 12 years ago
Detectives from Hertfordshire Constabulary are appealing for witnesses and information in connection with a number of robberies which took place in Harpenden at the weekend.
The incident occurred at around 4.30pm on Saturday, April 26th. Four teenage boys were walking through an alleyway off Shakespeare Road when an offender ran past and stopped in front of them. Two other offenders then approached the victims from behind. One of the victims was punched in the face and the offenders demanded they hand over any valuables.
The offenders made off with one portable speaker, two iPhone 4’s and an iPhone 5.
The suspects are described as follows:
• A mixed race male, 18 to 19yrs old, 5ft 8ins to 6ft tall. He is described as having a big belly and a black chin-strap style beard. He was wearing an all grey ‘True Religion’ tracksuit that had thick stitching. He was wearing the hood up and was carrying a small black bag that had a strap that went across his body.
• A mixed race male, 18 to 19yrs old, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins tall. He had braces on his teeth and was wearing a grey tracksuit with the hood up and white trainers.
• A White male, 16 to 17yrs old, 5ft to 5ft 3ins tall. Had a high pitched voice and was wearing a blue Ralph Lauren hooded top with the hood up and a black peaked cap underneath and light blue jeans.
Detective Sergeant Carolyn Taylder is investigating and said: “Whilst thankfully no-one was seriously injured, this was understandably an ordeal for the victims to go through. I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened to contact police. I would also appeal to anyone who is aware of someone having come into possession of the items taken unexpectedly to contact officers.
“I would also like to reassure members of the public that there will be increased patrols in the area, but I would also encourage people to consider some crime prevention advice below.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Herts Police non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference number F2/14/590. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Hertfordshire Police Crime Prevention Advice:
• When out and about, walk with a friend and keep a mobile phone handy but hidden. But don’t use your mobile while walking around on the street.
• Keep other valuables out of sight. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. Remember your safety is more important than property.
• At night try to keep to well-lit, busy roads and avoid taking short-cuts or routes through parks, alleys or car parks. Be aware of what is going on around you.
• If you think someone is following you, go to the nearest place which is well-lit or busy, for example a pub or petrol station and ask for help.
Extra Personal Safety advice from TCPW
Practicing ‘Safe Steps’. Advice for students, but useful for everyone! http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/students/664/practising-safe-steps/
TCPW Comment: When I was in the police service I tried to do what I could about closing crime-ridden alleys and had a great deal of success doing so. I’m not suggesting that they all attract criminals and crime and maybe what’s just occurred in Harpenden is just a one off, but alleys are often associated with robbery, burglary and, occasionally, even more serious offences and so I hope our town planners will be conscious of this when pondering new housing developments!
If you’ve got a troublesome alley and would like to get it closed take a look at the following links to get you started.
The Alleygaters Guide to gating Alleys: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/storage/library/the_alleygaters_guide_to_gating_alleys_bumblebee.pdf
See also library A – B for further references and guides http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/the-library-and-links/646/library-a--b/
Alleygating – Terraced Housing and Back Alleys http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/access-opportunity-and-alleyway-gating/489/alleygating-terraced-housing-and-back-alleyways/
