Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following a series of knife-point robberies in Barnet..
Following extensive inquiries detectives have established that four incidents which occurred over two separate days in December are linked. The three robberies and one attempted robbery all occurred in West View – an alleyway that runs between Brampton Grove and Babington Road. The victims were all threatened with a knife and made to hand over mobile phones and cash.
The first incident occurred on Friday, 16 December at 19:20hrs as the 31-year-old victim walked through the West View alleyway. He was approached by two men, one of whom threatened the victim with a knife. The victim handed over his mobile phone and wallet. Both men fled the scene when they were disturbed by a passing cyclist, heading in the direction of Brampton Grove.
The second incident occurred just four minutes later in the same alleyway. The 34-year-old victim was walking through it when he was approached by two men. One of the men threatened the victim with a knife. Fearing for his safety, he handed over cash and his mobile phone. Both men fled the scene heading in the direction of Hendon Central Underground Station.
On Wednesday, 21 December an attempted robbery occurred in the same location. At 10:34hrs the 27-year-old victim was walking through the alleyway when he was approached by a man who threatened him with a knife. The victim managed to flee the scene without handing over his personal effects.
Later that day – at around 15:20hrs – two men approached the 23-year-old victim as he walked through the alleyway. One of the men threatened him with a knife and forced him to hand over his mobile phone and wallet. The two suspects fled heading in the direction of Brampton Grove.
In all four incidents none of the victims were hurt.
The first suspect is described as Mediterranean in appearance, aged between 18 and 25 years old, 6ft tall and of a slim build.
The second suspect is described as a light skinned black man, aged between 18 and 25 years old, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with a moustache.
Detectives from Barnet CID are investigating. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.
In addition to appealing for witness, detectives are also asking anyone who has a CCTV camera that overlooks the alleyway to get in contact with them.
Detective Constable Jim Christie, from Barnet CID, said: “The victims in these four incidents had simply been going about their daily business when they were threatened, and on three occasions made to hand over personal possessions. It is of paramount importance that the suspects are caught as soon as possible and I am urging anyone who has any information – no matter how small – to get in contact.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Jim Christie at Barnet CID via 101 or by emailing james.christie@met.police.uk
Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org
Crime prevention advice:
– If you need to use your phone, be aware of your surroundings. Try going hands free or stand away from the roadside close to a wall so no one can come up behind you.
– Don’t text while you’re walking, you won’t notice potential thieves approaching.
– Your phone comes with a range of security features, such as keypad locks and remote data wiping. Make sure they are all activated to stop thieves from accessing your phone and personal data.
– Know how to identify your phone if it’s stolen
– Find your IMEI number by dialling *#06# from your phone and keep a written note of it. If the phone is stolen, report it to the police and your mobile provider to stop it being used.
– Register your phone on www.immobilise.com to help police return recovered stolen property and combat the sale of stolen goods. Police recover more than 2500 items registered to the website on average every month. Never confront a thief or risk your own safety for the sake of your mobile device.
