Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to following three robberies in Andover.
The first incident occurred at around 2.15pm on Thursday, January 17 when the victim was walking past Andover College, Charlton Road. She was approached by a man from behind who grabbed her hand bag which contained money and a mobile phone. The man then ran off along Shepherd Spring Lane and through the cemetery.
The second incident occurred at some time between 8.30pm and 9pm on Wednesday, February 13 when the victim was walking along New Street to the rear of Capet Right on Watery Lane, Andover. Whilst the victim, was finishing a phone call on his mobile phone, the offender walked past the victim. The offender, who was brandishing a small kitchen knife, then turned and walked behind the victim, demanding he hand over his mobile phone. The offender then grabbed the mobile phone and ran off in the direction of Colenzo Drive.
At around 3pm on Tuesday, February 19 a woman was walking along Woodlands Way in the direction of Eastfield Road. A man approached her from behind and grabbed her mobile phone from her hand. Two other men and possibly a woman then ran up behind her and stole her shopping and handbag.
It is believed all three incidents are linked. The main offender that police want to speak to is described as:
- White
- Between 5ft 8ins and 6ft
- Average build
He was also wearing a bomber style long sleeved zip up coat which was dark brown/plum in colour. The coat did not have a hood but the man wears a dark hooded top underneath and wears the hood up covering his face. He wears dark coloured tracksuit bottoms with white stripes down the side (possibly Adidas). He was wearing trainers which were possibly white Reebok trainers with a black detail on the side and black soles.
PC Gemma Smith, said: “I believe all three incidents are linked and I am appealing for anyone with any information about who may be responsible to come forward and speak to us. The CCTV image was taken just prior to the robbery on January 17. Do you recognise this man? Do you know who he is? I would urge anyone with any information to get in touch with us at the earliest opportunity to help us find the people responsible for these incidents.”
Anyone with information should contact the PC Smith at Andover police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers, the charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
