Two linked robberies in Birstall.
Police in Birstall are appealing for the public's help in identifying three youths following two robberies that they believe may be linked.
The first incident took place between 1.15 and 1.30pm on Thursday October 18 as the two 15-year-old victims were walking along Wanlip Lane in Birstall close to the alley that runs between Stonehill High School and Longslade College.
They were approached by three youths, two of whom were on BMX bikes. The youth on foot asked them the time and one of the victims got out his mobile phone to tell them.
The youth on foot then tried to take the mobile phone. A struggle ensued and while they didn't take the phone the youth on foot did make off with a chrome and black MP3 player. He was then seen to get on a bus.
The second incident happened on the same day between 1.45 and 2pm. A 16-year-old boy was walking along Wanlip Lane in Birstall when he was approached by two youths on BMX bikes who asked him for the time. He took out his mobile phone and told them the time and continued on his journey. The boys on bikes followed him and when he reached the alley that leads towards Stonehill School the youths pushed him into the jitty and took his mobile phone, a black Nokia N73.
Because of the similarities between the crimes and the close proximity in terms of time and location police strongly believe that these two incidents are linked.
The youth on foot is described as white, aged around 14 to 16-years-old 5'4" tall wearing a blue t-shirt and black gloves.
The second youth was also white and of a similar age and was around 6ft tall. He was wearing a black leather jacket with white writing on the back and white stripes along the sleeves, black leather gloves and a cap. He was riding a silver BMX bike.
The third youth was slightly smaller than the second and was wearing a cap, dark jeans with a seam on the knee and a dark hooded top. He was riding a blue BMX bike
Detective Constable Kim Potter from Loughborough CID said: "We've been working very closely with the local schools who are assisting us with our investigations into these crimes however, there's a possibility that suspects did not live locally.
"We're therefore hoping that people in the wider Leicestershire area will take a look at the descriptions of the youths and see if they know anyone who matches.
"I'm also keen to speak to anyone else who was in Wanlip Lane that lunchtime who may have witnessed these incidents."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4269 Potter from Loughborough CID on Leicester (0116) 222 2222, follow the instructions to leave a message for an officer and when prompted key in his identification number 4269. Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers free* and anonymously on 0800 555 111.
* Some mobile phone providers may charge for this call
Issued on 19/11/07 at 11:32 Crime reference number: NH/03584/07-8 and NH/03583/07-5
- posted by allan @ 4:27 PM

 
Indecent Exposure in Birstall.
Police from Charnwood local policing unit are appealing for witnesses after an incident of indecent exposure in Birstall.
The incident happened at around 4pm on Thursday October 25 when a man in a silver car pulled up outside a property on The Crossways.
A woman inside the property noticed him indecently exposing himself and when she shouted out of her window, he drove off at speed towards Wanlip Lane.
He is described as being of Oriental appearance, in his thirties, with short hair and was wearing a stripy top. The car was a four door saloon type with a large star motif on the back window.
PC Chris Falle from Charnwood local policing unit said: "This incident was obviously quite upsetting for the woman and I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident to contact us.
"If you can recall seeing a man matching this description in the area or recognise the description of the car, please get in touch."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC 815 Chris Falle at Charnwood LPU on Leicester (0116) 222 2222 and follow the instructions to leave a message for a police officer and when prompted key in the officer's identification number 0815. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers, which is free* and anonymous on 0800 555 111.
* Please note, some mobile ‘phone service providers may charge for this call.
Issued on 06/11/07 at 16:34 Crime reference number: NH/03723/07-5
- posted by allan @ 7:21 PM

 
Red Refuse Sacks.
The Watch is aware of a number of incidents in the village where red refuse sacks, containing paper for recycling, have gone missing when left out for collection.
It may be that thieves are after personal information on letters etc in the bags.
We recommend destroying, either shredding or burning, any paper containing personal information.
Please be careful. Identity theft can have very serious consequences for the victim.
- posted by allan @ 9:18 AM