13 year old robbed in Stevenage

30 December 2010, 15:27 | Updated: 30 December 2010, 15:29

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a robbery in Epsom Close, Stevenage, on Wednesday, December 22.

The incident took place at 6.15pm when a 13-year-old boy from Stevenage was walking along the road and was approached by two men who demanded he hand over his mobile phone. When he refused, he was threatened and struck on his hand which caused him to drop his phone. One of the offenders picked the phone up and they both ran off towards Sandown Road.

The stolen phone was a Blackberry 9700.

The first offender was described as a black man in his late teens / early twenties and around 6ft tall. He was reported to be wearing a white and purple Adidas top.

The second offender was described as white man, of slim build, in his late teens / early twenties and around 6ft tall. He was reported to be wearing grey jogging bottoms and a green hooded top.

Investigating Officer PC Rondell Quinlan, said: “Thankfully the boy did not sustain serious injuries following this incident. I am appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw any suspicious behaviour to get in contact. I’d also like to speak to anyone who recognises the two men described or anyone who may have recently been offered a phone similar to the one described for sale.”

Although Hertfordshire remains one of the safest counties, we recommend people consider the following advice whilst out and about:

• Walk with a friend and keep a mobile phone handy but hidden. But don’t use your mobile while walking around on the street.

• Keep laptop computers, personal stereos and other valuables out of sight. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. Remember your safety is more important than property.

• At night try to keep to well-lit, busy roads and avoid taking short-cuts or routes through parks, alleys or car parks. Be aware of what is going on around you.

• If you regularly jog or cycle, keep to well-lit, busy paths and avoid wooded areas.

Anyone with information is asked contact PC Quinlan on the non-emergency number 0845 33 00 222, citing crime reference number E1/10/8338.