Mugging crimewave – Youngsters targeted
By Rory Poulter
17th Jul 2023 | Local News
Youngsters in Richmond, Twickenham and Barnes have been targeted in a mugging crimewave by masked criminals who see teens in the area as 'rich pickings'.
Phones, tech, such as Airpods, and even branded designer jackets are being grabbed by gangs, most often using electric scooters.
The alarm was initially raised earlier this year after youngsters in Barnes, some on their way home from school, were being targeted by thugs coming across Hammersmith Bridge in search of sot targets.
And now, parents are warning of attacks in broad daylight on the busy streets of the centre of Richmond and across the Richmond and Twickenham bridges into Twickenham.
It is believed the same gangs may also have been responsible for muggings on youngsters and adults, including a teacher, around the Chiswick School, which is off the A316 on the route between Richmond and Hammersmith.
Community groups in Barnes have held a number of meetings with police in the area. And, as Nub News recently reported, a 'Safe Place' scheme has been established with some local shops offering a refuge for anyone feeling threatened or vulnerable.
The idea has been promoted by a member of the Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Board who has suggested that other parts of the borough may want to introduce the scheme.
The Richmond Park MP, Sarah Olney, said: "Unfortunately, over the past two weeks, Richmond town centre has become the site of a series of robberies.
"The two suspects are aged between 15-16 and have been targeting younger children, stealing their phones, headphones, and other valuable items.
"The incidents have been taking place in and around Richmond Green, the Quadrant, Old Palace Lane and in some areas across the bridge in Twickenham.
"I would urge all parents with children younger than 16 to ensure they are being extra vigilant as these individuals are brought to justice."
The police have launched extra patrols in mugging hot spots, however the MP says a more permanent solution is required. She has been campaigning for the return of a police station to central Richmond as part of a wider campaign to ensure uniformed officers return to foot patrols.
One mother warned other parents after her son was attacked recently in broad daylight on the cycle path close to Richmond Circus.
She said: "My 16-year-old son was mugged at 5pm in the cycle path by Richmond Circus today, pushed off his bike, hitting his face on the ground."
The two people involved, who were wearing black with black face masks and riding eScooters, forced him to hand over phone and AirPods.
She said her son was shaken and left with a sore face.
Local police chiefs will host at meeting at the Council offices in York House, Twickenham, next week – July 24 – to hear the concerns of residents and spell out their plans for policing the area.
Details of the event and how to attend can be found here -
The Metropolitan Police told Nub News: "Due to the recent rise in young persons being targeted we uplifted our resources within the areas and there were no robberies this weekend.
"We are also working in partnership with 'Mothers against Muggings' to ensure that safety messages are as far reaching within the community of Richmond as they can be to keep everyone safe.
"There have been no robberies in Barnes since July 1, we are working closely with BTP, Hammersmith Police, The Council and the community to ensure this continues."
The idea of setting up a 'Safe Place' scheme is being championed by Wendy Kyrle-Pope, who is a member of the Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Board and standing in as chair for the Barnes Police Liaison Group.
Mrs Kyrle-Pope said: "When anyone, child or adult, is threatened or actually attacked, the tendency is to freeze, not know what to do. If home is too far away, where do you go for help?
"Small local businesses and charities are the answer - very carefully selected to ensure that those working there are totally honourable and understand how to help.
"The response I got when I asked them to help was amazing. Businesses are part of any community and are so keen to help."
Local Councillors in Barnes, Fiona Sacks and Marjory Millum, together with Emma Robinson, the Town Centre manager for the Barnes Community Association have been instrumental in the roll out of the Safe Place imitative. So far, four locations have been established.
The Richmond Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB) covers the whole borough, and Mrs Kyrle-Pope said the scheme could be introduced in other wards should the need arise.
"The SNB can ask the 16 Police Liaison Groups to help, in selecting the Safe Places (as local knowledge is vital to ensure that they are indeed safe), and the various ward councillors can help promote it," she said.
The Safe Place initiative is due to be discussed at the SNB's next meeting at York House, Twickenham, at 7pm on July 25.
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