Residents are being warned to be vigilant after a series of knife-point robberies across Peterborough,
There have been seven robberies reported since Saturday, October 24, with offences reported in Woodston, Bretton and Fletton.
The first incident happened on Saturday, October 24 at 8pm in Manton, Bretton, when the victim aged 13, was approached by two men as he walked home. They threatened him with a knife and asked for his mobile phone. The victim, who was shaken, managed to run away.
The offenders were described as black, between 15 and 17 and wearing hooded tops.
There were three robberies on October 30 in London Road, at Rhubarb Bridge and New Road, with similar descriptions of offenders, which are believed to be part of the same series.
The latest incidents occurred last night under the railway bridge, Oundle Road, at 9.20pm, when the victim aged 23, was approached by a group of youths as he walked home. They threatened him with a knife and stole his rucksack. The victim received minor injuries.
Ten minutes later in the underpass between Fletton Cemetery and Copper Beech Way at 9.30pm, a victim aged 35, was on his phone when he was approached by a group of youths and hit on the back of the head. They stole his phone and cash before running away. The victim suffered minor injuries.
The men were described as white, between 16 and 20, wearing dark clothing and had scarves over their faces.
All offences have happened during 6pm and 6am and the majority on footbridges or in subways.
Detective Sergeant Gordon Blair, investigating, said officers were carrying out extra patrols in the areas where robberies have taken place.
He said: “I would like to reassure the public that I have a team of officers working on catching those responsible.
“I would urge people to stick to well-lit areas and not to have any of your valuables on show, such as your mobile phone and I would like to hear from anyone who has any information.
“At this stage we cannot say all the incidents are definitely linked but they have happened in a short space of time and in locations which are fairly close so we remain open minded about the possibility.”
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of robbery and has been released on bail until November 14.
Greg Uhunamure (20), of Norman Road, Peterborough, has been charged with robbery and theft from a shop, and appeared at Peterborough Magistrates Court this morning.
Anyone with information about the robberies should contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.