Officers are investigating after a series of robberies in Andover at the weekend.
They were called at 7.45pm on Friday, 19 November, to reports of a robbery at the BP Garage on New Street.The victim, a 16-year-old boy, was approached at the garage and threatened with a knife by an unknown man. His airpods and jacket were stolen.
They received further calls of three robberies and two attempted robberies in Vigo Park at around 8.20pm on the same day. The details are as follows:
- A 23-year-old man reported an attempted robbery against him and another 22-year-old man. They were approached and threatened, however nothing was stolen.
- The robbery of a 19-year-old man where a mobile phone was stolen.
- Two 15-year-old boys reported being the victim of a robbery. Two mobile phones and airpods were stolen.
The incidents are believed to be connected at this time.
Inspector Chris Taylor said: “We fully understand the impact these types of crimes have on victims, as well as parents and on communities. We want to reassure you that we are working hard to identify all those involved and keep people safe.Tackling violence and knife crime in our community remains an absolute priority for us but it depends on partnerships across a number of sectors, not just the police, it includes education, housing, social and youth services. Every agency is crucial in supporting the district move towards a future free from violence and tackling the root causes of violent crime.Our Neighbourhood Policing Team will be increasing patrols in the area, please speak with them if you have any concerns.We urge communities to keep reporting intelligence around knife crime so that together we can continue to tackle this threat in society.”
If anyone has any information that may assist the investigation, or any dash cam or CCTV footage, they are asked to phone 101 with reference 44210465950. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.
