Handbag Thefts In Luton

Police in Luton are warning people to be on their guard after four hand bag snatches have been reported.

The first incident happened on December 15 at approximately 4.50pm when the 50 year old victim was walking along Old Bedford Road and was pushed to the ground. Her black hang bag was pulled from her shoulder and the offenders ran from the scene towards Pope Meadows. The offenders were both described as slim, between 5’8” and 5’10” tall; one wore all black clothing and the other wore black jogging bottoms and a light coloured t-shirt.

The second incident happened at approximately 7pm in Ash Road as the victim was walking towards the football club. As the victim approached Beech Path she heard voices behind her before someone grabbed her arm forcing her to swing around and then grab her black suede bag. Both offenders then left the scene running towards Dunstable Road. The first offenders is described as a male with an Asian appearance, between 25 – 30 years old, approximately 6’ tall, well built, with short black hair, dark brown eyes, facial stubble and wearing a white hooded top and cark jeans.  The second offender is also believed to be a man with an Asian appearance and a skinny build.

The third incident happened later the same day at approximately 7.45pm when the 42 year old victim was walking along Francis Street, towards Sainsburys. Again the victim was pushed to the ground and her brown leather handbag was pulled away from her causing injury to her knees and hands. The two offenders ran from the scene towards Dunstable Road. Both offenders were described as approximately 6’ tall with large builds and wearing dark clothing.

The fourth incident happened again on Wednesday (Dec 15) at approximately 8.05pm as the 24 year old victim was walking along Crescent Road. The victim heard someone running behind her and as she looked around she was hit in the face and fell to the ground. The victim was carrying two bags over her shoulders but during a struggle the bags broke and the offenders ran off towards Hitchin Road.  The bags, a beige shoulder bag with a stud fastening and a canvas bag, contained personal items including a passport and some hair straighteners. The first offender is described as a light skinned mixed raced man, between 25-30 years of age, 5’9” tall with a slim build.  He had short dark hair and possibly a goatee style beard and wore a short sleeved white shirt with dark vertical stripes and dark jeans.  The second man was wearing dark clothing.

Officers from Luton’s Robbery Unit are keen trace anyone who has information that could help identify those responsible for these crimes.

Anyone with information can contact DC Joanna Bosson or DC Matt Shepherd at Luton Police Station, on 01582 394252, or text information to 07786 200011, or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.