Robbers who struck in separate locations around Luton in the run up to Christmas are being hunted by detectives.
The first incident happened on Monday, December 17 in Crescent Road, Luton.
The victim, a 47-year-old man, was walking along the road at about 9.45pm using his mobile, when a group of four men approached him and asked for the time before grabbing his phone.
He began to argue with the gang but they then threatened him with a knife and took money from his wallet, leaving the scene along Crescent Road towards Crawley Green Road.
It is believed they got in to a waiting vehicle which was parked close to the junction of Crawley Green Road.
The second incident happened on Friday, December 21 at 3.30am in Leagrave Park, Sundon Park Road, when three men approached a 17-year-old who was walking home from a friend’s house.
The men asked him for a cigarette and then threatened him with a knife before stealing his mobile phone and cash.
The first offender is described as white, around 17 years old, skinny and wearing dark clothing. The second was white, about 16 years old, skinny and wearing dark clothing and a coloured beanie hat, and riding a grey BMX bike. The third was white, about 17 years old, skinny and also wearing dark clothing, and was riding a mountain bike.
The third incident happened on Sunday, December 23 at 6.30am, when a member of staff at McDonald’s in Marsh Road arrived for work.
The 20-year-old victim was threatened with a knife as he got off his bike at the back of the restaurant. The victim struggled with the offender before he left the scene empty handed.
The would-be robber is described as black, about 23 years old, 5ft 6ins tall and wearing a black hooded top and dark scarf over his face.
Anyone who has information and can help with these investigations should contact officers from the South Bedfordshire Priority Crime Unit, in confidence, on 01582 394436. Alternatively call Bedfordshire Police on 101, text 07786 200011, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.