Robberies And Burglaries In Portsmouth
A series of robberies, attacks and burglaries in Portsmouth which all happened in the space of three days are being investigated by police.
In the first robbery, a 29-year-old man had his iPad stolen. It happened in the St Mary’s recreation ground on St. Mary’s Road on Thursday, July 14, 2011 between 4.30pm and 4.50pm.
Investigating officer PC Larry McDevitt of Portsmouth’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said:
“A man grabbed the victim’s black Nike bag from his shoulder, which contained the iPad. The victim gave chase but was out run by the suspect.
“There would have been many people in the park at the time, it was a warm sunny afternoon, in fact the victim spoke to a couple of people who saw the chase but thought they were messing around.
"I would particularly like those people to come forward as they may hold vital information, or be able to add to the suspect's description.”
The suspect was described as:
* White man
* Aged in his thirties
* 6 ft tall
* Slim build
* Wearing blue jeans and white top with black writing on it
In the second robbery, a 17-year-old youth was sat at the bus stop at Hilsea Lido in London Road at around 11.50pm on Friday, July 15, 2011 when he was approached by a group of teenagers.
He was assaulted and his Blackberry mobile phone was stolen.
The 17-year-old suffered injuries to his face and received treatment in hospital. None of the injuries were life threatening,
Investigating officer Detective Constable Fiona Wright of Portsmouth CID said:
“This robbery involved a group of teenage boys and girls who appear to have targeted another teenager who was sitting at the bus stop.
"It is believed that three girls who began speaking to the victim may have sparked an argument, which led to the 17-year-old being assaulted and robbed.”
One of the girls was described as:
* White
* Aged 15 to 16
* 5 ft 4 ins tall
* Skinny build
* Brown hair
She was wearing a white top and beige coloured leggings.
One of the boys was described as:
* White
* Average build and height
* Aged in his mid-teens
* Short dark hair
He was wearing a T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms.
The third robbery happened on Saturday, July 16, 2011 between 3am and 3.30 am; a 25-year-old Southsea man had his mobile phone snatched while he was talking on it. It was a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, valued at £450, and it was taken while the victim was sitting on a bench on the corner of Somers Road and Worcester Close in Southsea.
The suspect ran off towards the Sedgley Close and Warwick Crescent area.
Investigating officer PC Allan Cameron of Portsmouth’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said:
“Mobile technology is becoming more advanced and desirable but unfortunately it is also becoming more sought after by criminals.
“People who carry these types of equipment need to be mindful of the current climate and take care where and when they use them, because as we have seen in this case, your mobile phone can be taken from you in a matter of seconds even when
making a simple call.”
The suspect was described as:
* A white man
* 17-18 years old
* Between 5 ft 6 ins and 5 ft 8 ins tall
* Skinny build
* Short dark blond hair
He was wearing a white hooded top.
Meanwhile, police are appealing for more information after three walk-in burglaries were reported on the same night in the same area of Portsmouth.
Thieves targeted homes in Highgrove Road, Cobden Avenue and Moneyfield Avenue between 11pm on Friday, July 15 and 6am on Saturday, July 16, 2011.
Mobile phones, a camera, a jewellery box, and a purse were among the personal items reported stolen.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said:
“It appears the suspects have walked along several roads trying several homes for open windows and front doors.
"If an insecure property was found, burglars entered and conducted a search, stealing property.
"All of the affected residents were asleep at the time.
"Police have conducted enquiries in the local community and are now making a wider appeal for information.”
If you can help with any of the ccrimes above, call Hampshire Police on 101.