5
Aug
2014
By Calvin at 11:01 GMT, 11 years ago
The incident occurred on Park Avenue on Tuesday 29 July.
At around 5.15pm, a 59-year-old woman was making her way along Park Avenue having just used the cash point at Lloyds Bank on the High Street.
As she walked along Park Avenue an unknown man approached her and asked her if she could change two £10 notes for a £20 one. The woman happily changed the money with the man and then continued on her way.
However, within 20 seconds of walking away from the man, the victim was suddenly pushed to the floor from behind by a different unknown man who then tried to steal the bag from off her shoulder.
The woman kept hold of her bag and eventually the man was forced to flee the scene at speed on foot.
Once the man had run off the woman got to her feet, quickly completed her shopping and then went home and called the police.
A police spokesman said: “We’re very keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who may recognise the two unknown men from the description we have provided. We believe there is every possibility the two men are known to each other and were looking to work together to carry out this robbery.
“The first man the woman saw is described as being white, aged between 18 and 20, around 5ft 8inches tall, having a medium build, blonde hair and as wearing a white and light blue ‘Hawaiian’ style shirt one.
“The second man is said to be white, also around 5ft 8inches tall, and as wearing a dark coloured top and bottoms.”
Anyone who believes they may have information about this incident is asked to call officers in Telford as soon as possible on 101, quoting incident number 0632S 270714.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you’d rather leave information without identifying yourself.
TCPW Comment: What an awful experience for this lady, but how cool was she holding onto her bag, finishing her shopping and then calling the police later!
I’m running this story for two reasons: First to support victim and the police in Telford, but secondly to remind us all about taking care at cashpoints.
The account includes what appears to be a deliberate reference to the lady just having used the Lloyds cash machine, which is a very short distance from where the robbery took place (I looked it all up on Google Street view). This suggests that the suspects might have clocked her withdrawing cash, which made her a target. This is a common ploy and one we should always be aware of when withdrawing money in a public place. The police also tell us that the first suspect changed money with the victim and suggests that this was in an effort to determine there was indeed plenty of cash available and precisely where it was. Maybe the second suspect was looking on at this point.
Street robberies often involve the victim being stopped in the street and asked for change, followed by a snatch, and so could be viewed as a warning sign of an impending crime. It’s easy for me to say all this after the event, but street robbery is often carried out this way, so we should all take note.
Please take a look at my guidance - Taking care at cashpoints. http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/robbery-and-theft-risk/660/taking-care-at-cashpoints/
You never know when it might come in useful.
Source West Mercia Police: http://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/news-articles/appeal-after-attempted-robbery-in-madeley.html
