Officers from the British Transport Police (BTP) Robbery Squad are warning passengers to remain vigilant after a series of smartphone and laptop snatches on trains and at stations in south London and Kent.
Investigators are also calling on members of the public to help them identify a number of men, pictured in photographs numbered 1 to 5, who they want to speak to in connection with the incidents.
Detective Constable Mark Agrippa, the investigating officer wrote:Detectives investigating each of these five cases, which are not linked, have made local enquiries, followed up numerous leads and circulated the images on police intelligence systems in a bid to identify these people, but to no avail so far.
We are now asking for the public’s help to identify these people. If you know them or think you might have information about any of the incidents then we would like to hear from you.
Do you recognise the men in image 1? Officers would like to speak with them after a phone was snatched from a man who was sitting on a bench at Catford Bridge station on Monday, 11 June at around 1pm.
Investigators would like to speak with the man in image 2 after a 65-year-old woman was approached by a man, who then grabbed her handbag in search of a phone at Sydenham Hill station on Sunday, 20 May. The incident happened at around 9pm.
Police would like to speak to the men pictured in image 3 after a laptop was snatched from a sleeping woman on a Charing Cross to Dartford train on Friday, 20 April. As the train approached Darftord station at around 3.30pm, two men grabbed the laptop before running from the train and out of the station.
Image 4 shows two men that officers would like to talk to after a teenage girl had her phone snatched from her hand at around 10.30pm as she waited at the entrance of North Dulwich station on Sunday, 27 May. The men were later spotted as the girl and her mother were driving in Herne Hill, near Half Moon lane. When approached by the girl’s mother, the men returned the phone to the victim, who had been left distressed from what took place.
Finally, officers are seeking the public’s help in identifying the man in Image 5 after a phone was snatched from a woman at around 2.14pm as she travelled on a Sutton to Luton train on Wednesday, 16 May. The woman had been sitting with her phone in her hand when she was approached by a man who tried to snatch it from her. After a tussle, the woman’s work phone fell on the floor, which the man grabbed and made off with as the train pulled into Loughborough Junction station.
DC Agrippa wrote:If you recognise the men or have information about any of the thefts we want to hear from you
Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference B6 /LSA of 4/8/12.
Alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Protecting your valuables will greatly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of crime. Here are a few simple tips from British Transport Police to protect yourself and your possessions:
- Carry wallets, mobiles and other small valuables in a secure inside pocket
- Keep your mobile out of sight when not in use and set it to vibrate to avoid attracting attention. When using your mobile in public always be aware of your surroundings
- Make a note of your mobile’s unique IMEI number. To access it type *#06# into your mobile and note the number. This will assist your service provider in blocking its use should your phone be lost or stolen.
- Carry your handbag in a secure position in front of your body. Keep all fasteners closed and ensure they are facing towards your body.
- When on stations look for CCTV cameras and try to stay within view
