Police link Littlehampton robberies and appeal for witnesses

A second street robbery in the Anchor Springs area of Littlehampton is believed to have been carried out by the same group of offenders as the first robbery, Sussex Police said.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Sep 2016, 14:10 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 03:35 BST
Sussex Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses to the linked robberiesSussex Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses to the linked robberies
Sussex Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses to the linked robberies

Police have renewed an appeal for witnesses or anyone with information about the two crimes to come forward.

The first attack was on a 68-year-old disabled man using a walking frame as he waited at a bus stop at around 10.15pm on Saturday, September 10.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The second robbery occurred in the same area at around 9.50pm on Saturday (September 17) when two women, aged 47 and 58, were the victims.

In both cases a mixed-sex group of white people wearing hoodies, believed to be in their teens were responsible for the attacks, police said.

On Saturday the two women were walking through Anchor Fields towards St Martin’s Road when two girls sat on a wall asked them for the time.

But after crossing Arundel Road and entering an alleyway next to C & M Trophies the victims were set upon by three boys and two girls.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As one woman tried to keep hold of her handbag she was dragged to the ground with considerable force.

Both women were assaulted and sustained injuries to their hands and faces, and both had their handbags, containing cash and personal items stolen.

One handbag was later recovered nearby, but most of the contents were missing.

Detective Constable Claire Mitchell, of Worthing CID, said: “There are strong indications that these robberies are linked.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“In both cases vulnerable people were targeted by the group responsible and I am keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help our investigation.

“In particular, I’d like to hear from anyone who may have CCTV images from the Anchor Springs area on the two nights concerned.”

Please email [email protected] or phone 101, quoting Operation Vertical.

Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 (www.crimestoppers-uk.org).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.