Teen Arrested over Watford Park Robbery Spree
Police have apprehended an individual in connection to a series of attempted robberies in Watford’s Cassiobury Park and nearby areas.
The incidents, occurring between June 3 and June 13, involved demands for mobile phones and, in one case, an e-bike was stolen. Victims ranged from teenagers to a man in his 30s, with some assailants reportedly wearing face coverings and possessing a knife.
An 18-year-old man from Surrey has been arrested following these events. Detective Sergeant Sarah Hern has assured the community of increased police patrols and urged the public to remain vigilant, keep valuables hidden, and utilize phone security measures like tracking apps and noting IMEI numbers.
Police were contacted to report an attempted robbery which occurred on Monday 3 June at around 3.10pm in Shepherds Road. It is reported that a group of males, believed to be in their late teens and wearing dark coloured tracksuits, approached the victim and demanded his mobile phone. The victim refused and the suspects assaulted the victim before making off from the scene. No injuries were reported.
Police were contacted to report two attempted robberies in Cassiobury Park on Tuesday 11 June where phones were demanded from two people but nothing was taken. A robbery was also reported on the same day in Cassiobury Park Avenue where the victim was walking towards the train station and had his wallet stolen.
Police were contacted to report a robbery in Cassiobury Park, Watford, which occurred at around 10.15pm on Wednesday 12 June. It is reported that a man aged in his 30s was approached by two males, one of which was described as being in possession of a bladed weapon. The victim was then assaulted before an orange and silver e-bike was taken.
Police were contacted to report an attempted robbery in Shepherds Road which occurred at around 5.30pm on Thursday 13 June. It was reported that a man was approached by a group of males who were covering their faces and demanded his phone. The victim refused and a knife was reportedly seen and later discarded by a suspect. Following fast-time enquiries and an area search, a knife was recovered and an 18-year-old man from Surrey was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. He was released on police bail with conditions not to enter Watford whilst enquiries continue.
Detective Sergeant Sarah Hern, from the Watford Local Crime Unit, said: “I appreciate these incidents will be alarming to our local community. A number of the victims who have been targeted are of secondary school age. I would like to reassure parents, guardians, students and members of the public that we are doing everything we can to trace all those involved. We have increased our police presence in the area and are liaising with other relevant partners.
“If there is a crime in action or you see something suspicious happening, please call 999 immediately. Officers would much rather attend and find that everything is in order than miss an opportunity to stop an offence taking place. If you are unable to call for help at the time, please contact us as soon as possible.
“When walking around in public, please take care and keep all your valuables out of sight.
“There are steps you can take that will help if your phone gets stolen including using a strong pin, passcode, password or pattern. Write down your phone’s IMEI number by typing *#06# on your phone keypad. Keep a note of it somewhere other than on your phone. The IMEI can help track the phone down if it’s lost or stolen.
“You could also set up a tracking app on your phone so you can see where it is from another device like a laptop. Use it as soon as possible, before thieves have a chance to disable it.”
