Basildon man charged following knifepoint robberies
Detectives investigating a series of knifepoint robberies in Harlow earlier this week have charged a man with a number of offences.
A Basildon man's been charged with a number of offences following a spate of robberies in Harlow.
22 year old Rudy Junior Bagalo - of Stagden Cross - has been charged with three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, fraud by false representation, assault and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
In a statement Essex Police said:
"A 22-year-old man from Basildon was arrested on Thursday after a number of incidents took place in Harlow town centre on Wednesday between 4pm and 8pm.
"Earlier this morning (26th March), Rudy Junior Bagalo, 22, of Stagden Cross, Basildon, was charged with three counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, fraud by false representation, assault and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
"He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court this morning".
Speaking yesterday after the arrest was made, Chief Inspector Paul Austin, District Commander for Harlow, said:
"I know these crimes are of real concern to the people of Harlow and our detectives have worked swiftly to make an arrest. Several young men were threatened in underpasses and cycle paths throughout the course of Wednesday evening, with some forced to hand over their phones and wallets.
"Officers have been supporting the victims who, thankfully, were not physically harmed during the robberies, but are understandably very shaken by their ordeals. You’ll see a more visible presence in the area from our officers over the next few days and, if you have any concerns, I’d urge you to speak to them.
"We’re here to help and we want to ensure that the people of Harlow feel, and are, safe. This investigation is ongoing with Harlow CID, and we would urge anyone with more information to get in touch with us, please quote crime reference 42/73844/22."