Police hunt robber after 13 crimes in Stoke Newington are linked

Rectory Road: The robber struck twice at the station
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Mark Chandler24 January 2017
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Police are hunting a robber after a spate of 13 crimes in Stoke Newington were linked.

The man is said to have threatened his victims with violence during the raids after approaching them pretending to be begging or mentally ill.

In one four hour stint, the man, described as black and aged 25 to 30, committed three separate robberies.

During a number of incidents he was seen wearing a light grey tracksuit top and bottoms.

According to the Met, the same man has successfully robbed 10 people in the Stoke Newington area and tried to steal from another three over a six-week period from December 11 to January 21.

On January 19 he struck three times, starting in Evering Road at 3.45pm, moving on to Hackney Downs two hours later and robbing another victim near Hackney Downs Studios at 7.45pm.

He also targeted people at Rectory Road Overground Station on two occasions, including an incident on January 13 at 9.25pm when a pair of people were robbed inside.

His most recent offence took place at 4.30am in Stoke Newington High Street, near the Stamford Hill junction, when he tried but failed to steal anything.

Police say, despite the robber’s threats, so far all of his victims have remained unharmed.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, who is leading the investigation for Hackney CID, said: “This suspect is extremely brazen and has been targeting his victims in busy areas during broad daylight, as well as the hours of darkness.”

He added: “We are also keen to hear from anyone who may have previously been approached by the suspect or fallen victim at the hands of this suspect but may not have reported it.

“I would urge you to come forward and assist our investigation.

“I can assure residents that police patrols in the affected areas have been stepped up and my investigation team are working relentlessly to identify this suspect and prevent any further incidents.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, tweet @MetCC quoting Operation Ashton. Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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