Increase In Police Patrols Around Kettering Schools

11 February 2014, 11:20 | Updated: 11 February 2014, 11:34

Police have stepped up patrols around schools in Kettering after a number of children were robbed at knifepoint on their way home.

It is believed a gang of between three and five teenage boys carried out the robberies between Tuesday, February 4th and Sunday, February 9th.

Children aged between 13 and 15 were targeted for their mobile phones.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Woliter is investigating the cases and says one of the main issues of concern was the increasing level of violence used: 

“In all of these incidents, knives have been used to threaten the victims into handing over their mobile phones. 

“And it’s particularly concerning as the type of threats and level of violence used against the victims is increasing. 

“Additional police officers are now being concentrated in the areas where the offenders are operating, however, I must stress that knife crime in Kettering is extremely rare.”