Police have launched a series of late-night patrols following a number of frightening muggings in Barnes and Mortlake.

A gang of known criminals from the Hammersmith area are thought to have come over the bridge to target people for their valuables, including their coats and smartphones.

The situation is so bad that some parents are deliberately asking their teens to 'dress down' and avoid wearing expensive designer coats and trainers to avoid being targeted.

The mugging took place outside Cote (credit Google Streetview)

The mother of one 19-year-old said he was left badly shaken after being mugged for his Nike black puffa jacket and phone outside Cote in Barnes.

Other local residents reported a mugging near Second Avenue, off Mortlake High Street, a man being robbed at knifepoint on Merthyr Terrace, Barnes, and a teenager who was targeted at Castelnau.

Writing on Nextdoor, worried residents raised concerns about a mini crime wave in the area, while one reported seeing a gang of six youths with a baseball bat on Barnes Green.

The gang was seen with baseball bats on Barnes Green (credit Google Streetview)

One wrote: "The crime rate in Barnes is so high now it's awful. Kids being beaten up and robbed on a daily basis."

Another said: "Just wish our kids could just go out without worrying about what they are wearing and if they will be safe."

A third said: "So sad that we all work hard to buy our kids nice clothes and this happens. To be honest, I do dress down my daughter sometimes."

Such is the concern that dozens of worried recently attended a Street Briefing in the area with local ward officers from the Metropolitan Police.

A police spokesman told Nub News: "Local ward officers attended a Street Briefing just over a week ago at Washington Road j/w Madrid Road in Barnes. This meeting saw over 40 residents attended to discuss their ongoing concerns.

"The team was able to finance night-time patrols over a period of days as well as allowing officers to work until midnight last week.

"It is believed that a group coming over from Hammersmith may be accountable and certain individuals faces have been circulated so that local officers can identify them."