A 10-year-old boy was chased and attacked by a group of teenage robbers near Wigmore School.
The boy was cycling home from Wigmore Valley skate park at about 6.30pm on July 30 with his friend when three teenagers, also on pushbikes, followed the pair along several alleys until they became separated.
Alone, the victim was cornered by the group who pushed him around and asked what he had in his pockets.
His pockets were empty and eventually he managed to escape.
The offenders then caught up with his friend in an alleyway between Falstone Green and Crawley Green Road, threatened him and then left the scene empty-handed.
The first offender is described as a man of Asian appearance, 16 – 18 years old, 5’8” tall with a medium build and short black hair which was spiked at the front and a very short black moustache.
The second offender is described as a mixed race man, 16 – 18 years old, 5’7” tall with a medium build and short black hair. He had one pierced ear and a ‘flat-looking’ nose.
The third offender is described as a white man, approximately 16 years old, with a slim build and short blonde hair which had dark pieces. He wore a black t-shirt.
In another incident on Friday, a 16-year-old was walking home in Russell Street near the Stags Public House when two men approached him from behind.
They grabbed his wrist and swung him around before threatening him and searching his pockets. They took a Blackberry phone before leaving the scene.
The first offender is described as a black man, 17 – 18 years old, 5’8” tall with skinny build and wore a black sweat shirt, black tracksuit bottoms and black Nike Air Max trainers.
The second offender is described as a mixed race man, approximately 17 years old, 5’8” tall with a skinny build. He wore a black and grey cap, a black and grey zip up to and black tracksuit bottoms.
PC Stone said: “It is possible that the three offenders involved in the first incident where hanging around the skate park for some time and I would ask anyone who can help identify them or the other offenders in the second incident to come forward and help police with this investigation.
“I would people to be extra vigilant when they are out and about during the summer evenings and to use the following crime reduction advice when they are out and about.”
Stay sensible
• Being under the influence of drink or drugs can significantly increase your chance of being a victim of crime -be sensible in how much you drink and look after your friends.
• Never leave drinks unattended in pubs or clubs - when you go to the toilet ask your friends to keep an eye on your drinks. Men’s drinks get spiked too. If you suspect your drink has been spiked, contact a member of staff or tell a trusted friend.
Stay aware
• Using headphones in a public place means you are unlikely to hear someone approaching you until it is too late. Stay secure
• Don’t advertise your valuables; keep them in pocket or handbag out of sight. Check it is safe before you use your phone. Make sure your phone and other valuables are security marked and registered on www.immobilise.com and consider downloading a tracker app.
Stay safe
• Keep to main roads with streetlights and avoid dark alleyways and shortcuts through parks.
• Tell a responsible person when you will be home. Carry a personal alarm.
• Try to go to the cash point in daylight if possible – be aware of people standing too close to you and always conceal your pin. If it’s dark, go with a friend if you can and don’t check your money in full view.
Stay together
• Make sure everyone gets home safely either with the group or in a taxi.
Stay locked
• If you are living on or off campus make sure your doors and windows are always locked securely. Don’t leave your keys, mobiles or computers out on display and don’t answer your door to unexpected visitors.
• Make a list of your personal property including the serial number and descriptions - use an ultraviolet pen to mark electrical and other items.
Stay calm
• Always report any offence immediately to the police. Try to remember what the offender looks like and was wearing, with a good description and your quick action officers will have a good chance of catching the offender.
If you have information relating to this incident you can contact PC Ben Stone, at Luton Police Station, in confidence, on 01582 394471, or Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.