Police are appealing to members of the public for information and asking young people to consider some safety advice following a series of incidents in Potters Bar which are being linked.
Officers are currently investigating the following reports:
On Monday, October 19 a 10 year old girl was approached in Santers Lane at around 4.30pm. A man walked past the girl before turning back and walking past her again at which point he grabbed her bag. She managed to throw a drink in his face and run off. The man did not touch the girl.
On Tuesday 3rd November at around 5.30pm, two 11-year-old boys were walking along Shrublands when, as they got to the alleyway that leads to Elmfield Close, they were approached by a man from behind. The man has pushed one of the boys to the floor inside the alley and searched him before taking his rucksack, which had the victim’s phone in it. The victim has then run away and joined the other boy who had also run off. Following further inquiries into this incident it has now been established the suspect touched the victim inappropriately (J3/15/1179).
Last night (Monday, November 9) at 5pm, the suspect, who was on a bike, approached a group of girls aged 11 in Oakmere Park. He told them he was investigating a report from police about a theft of alcohol and he needed to search them and if they didn’t allow him he would call police. He then touched the girls inappropriately over their clothing. There was a boy with them and the suspect only checked his pockets (crime reference number J3/15/1206).
Detective Inspector Matt Phillips said: “We fully appreciate people, particularly children and their parents may be concerned about this series of incidents and I would like to reassure you we are doing all we can locate the suspect.”
The suspect is described as a white man aged in his mid to late 20s with short dark curly hair. Last night (November 9) he was wearing a dark blue or black puffa jacket, blue jeans with 92.COM on the left leg. He was riding a black pedal cycle.