November 18, 2009
Dunstable Robberies Prompt Warning To Teenagers
DETECTIVES are urging teenagers to be on their guard after five robberies in Houghton Regis in the last two days.
On each occasion youngsters have been approached by youths of a similar age who have roughed them up in predominantly remote locations and demanded valuables.
In most instances the offenders are described as white, aged about 17, 5ft 10 to 6ft tall and had their faces disguised with bandanas, hooded jackets or jumpers.
DC Sarah Pickering, investigating, said: “Although no-one has been seriously hurt we want young people to be aware of this so they can take the appropriate precautions. That includes avoiding remote areas, carrying as few valuables as possible and sticking with friends.
“In the meantime, we would reassure the community that our Safer Neighbourhood Team is aware and patrols have been stepped up. If anyone knows who is involved, or is offered property they believe may be stolen, we would urge them to contact us.”
The latest offence happened between 4.30pm and 4.35pm yesterday (Tues Nov 17) in Parkside Drive where a 16-year-old cyclist was approached by three offenders who punched him and made off with his grey, red and black Silver Fox mountain bike.
An hour earlier, in Dog Kennel Walk, an 18-year-old was stopped by three youths. He was headbutted before the offenders made off with his silver Sony Ericsson telephone and headphones.
Around the same time a 17-year-old was robbed of his wallet and white Sony XV501mobile telephone after being stopped and assaulted by three youths at the junction of Dog Kennel Walk and Cemetery Road.
Between 6pm and 6.30pm on Monday (Nov16) a 16-year-old was approached by three youths in the old bus lane running from Parkside Drive towards Lewsey Fam. He was punched and his iPod Nano, black Samsung mobile telephone and wallet taken. The offence followed another at 4.10pm when a 16-year-old was stopped by a single offender who made off with his Toshiba lap-top.
Anyone with information about the offences can contact DC Pickering, in confidence, on 01582 473055, the main switchboard on 01234 841212, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 11 or text to 07786 200011. Young people are advised the chances of a lost, or stolen, item being returned to its owner are much higher if they are registered at www.immobilise.com.
