Street Robberies Linked

31 January 2011, 17:55 | Updated: 16 February 2011, 10:57

Police investigating a series of street robberies are appealing for witnesses.

Four robberies took place in Brighton between Thursday (27 January) and Sunday (30 January).

The first robbery took place in New England Street on 27 January at around 2.45am when a man was approached by another man with a knife who demanded property from him. The victim handed over his wallet and mobile phone and the suspect left.

The suspect is described as white, approximately 6ft, of medium build, aged in his late teens to early 20s, with a local accent and was wearing a black hooded jumper with the hood covering his hair and dark coloured trousers. He had a black scarf with white snowflake pattern covering his face.

The second robbery took place in St Nicholas Road on 28 January at around 7pm when a woman was approached by a man who showed her a knife and demanded money. She handed over a small amount of cash and a mobile phone and as he left the offender apologised.

The victim described the suspect as white, in late teens, slim build, 5ft 8in, wearing a black or dark coloured jacket and trousers. He had a black or dark coloured scarf covering his mouth and nose and a dark woollen hat.

In the same road at around the same time another robbery took place. A man was approached by another male who again produced a knife and demanded money. The victim did not have any but handed over a mobile phone. The suspect, who is described as white, of slim build, 5ft 8in, with a slim face, dark hair and wearing a dark hat and dark trousers, ran from the scene.

The fourth robbery took place on 30 January between 6.30 and 7pm in Pelham Street, Brighton, when a man was approached by a male with a knife while walking through a car park. The offender demanded money and a mobile phone, which the victim handed to her.

The suspect is described as around 5ft 8in, of medium build, wearing a dark hoodie with a small white logo on the chest. He was wearing the hood up and a black bandana covering the lower part of his face.

Detective Constable Mors O'Connor, of Brighton CID, said: "We believe these four robberies may have all been committed by the same offender and I'd like to appeal for anyone who witnessed any of these robberies, or who thinks they may know who the offender is to contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting serial 1408 of 28/1 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."