Hackney police appeal after three women robbed at knifepoint in Clapton

Hackney Police are appealing for witnesses after three women were robbed at knifepoint on Thursday 12 January between 9.30pm and 10pm.

Though the three incidents were separate, they took place inclose proximity to one another, between Ashenden Road and Glyn Road, E5.

Police are looking for one suspect, a black male aged between 16 and 17.

Each woman was alone when she was targeted. Threats were made and handbags containing bank cards and mobile phones were stolen.

DS Colin Hill from Hackney’s Robbery Squad said: “In light of these attacks, I have a number of officers investigating this case and the location of the attacks will be heavily policed.

“I would like to remind residents that when you are out to tryto stay in well lit areas and if it is late at night try to stay in the company of another.”

The suspect is described as approximately five feet, five inches tall with stubble on his face. He spoke with a London accent and was wearing a dark blue hooded top and grey tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information should contact DC Michelle Savage on0207 275 3232 quoting crime reference number 4600937/12.

To remain anonymous,please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Robbery Awareness Campaign

Hackney Police are urging residents and visitors to the borough to take care of their valuables when out and about. This is part of a renewed awareness campaign to help reduce street crime.

Officers will be helping school children to ensure they keep safe,especially as many of them will have received new phones as Christmas gifts.

Residents of the borough are also reminded of the simple steps that can help prevent them from becoming a victim.

When you are out, where possible try to keep any valuables hidden. Smart phones and media players are becoming must have items for many people – that includes criminals too. They simply see these items as cash.

Many robberies happen when people check their phones just after leaving a train or underground station, or when they are going about their business and may be distracted.

Young people too, especially secondary school-aged children are also targeted – usually after school by other young people.

The Metropolitan Police Service has also been working with the mobile phone industry to see how technology and software, such as apps that track your location, can help reduce street crime.

Many of the latest smart phones can access apps which can help find lost or stolen mobile phones. Lock your devices and utilise existing and freely available GPS tracking and location apps. This can assist police in locating stolen property.

Police also advise residents to keep a record of their phone’s IMEI number: its unique reference number. To find out the IMEI number type in *#06# and it will display the 15-digit number, which can then be registered at immobilise.com.