Essex Police investigate knifepoint robberies in Canvey
The force believe the incidents are connected
Essex Police are currently investigating a series of robberies and a serious assault in Canvey which are believed to be connected.
Officers were called to Cherry Close at around 11:18pm on Thursday night (15 June) following reports of a robbery and an assault. The victim was assaulted by a group of young men and sustained a stab wound to his hand. Officers, including firearms officers attended quickly but the suspects were not located.
Shortly before this report at around 11:11pm, a suspicious incident was reported nearby on Dinant Avenue. A woman and her husband were approached by a group of three young men who attempted to rob them. The victims managed to leave the scene and nothing was stolen.
At around 11:40pm, officers received a report of an attempted knifepoint robbery and an assault on First Avenue. The victim was approached by two young men, who punched him in the face and threatened him with a knife. They attempted to steal his jewellery before running from the scene.
The suspects in all these incidents are described as wearing balaclavas and grey tracksuits.
Detective Superintendent Shaun Kane said “We are keeping an open mind but it’s a strong possibility that all these incidents are linked.
“‘I want to reassure the public, we are increasing police patrols across Canvey Island with both visible uniform officers and plain clothes officers.
“Anyone choosing to behave and act in such a manner, committing criminal offences, stealing and causing harm to others, need to think again as when identified, they will receive the full weight of a police prosecution which on conviction, sentence carries a very lengthy term of imprisonment.
“Our officers responded quickly and enquiries within our Criminal Investigation Department remain ongoing.
“If anyone lives down Cherry Close, Dinant Avenue, First Avenue or the surrounding roads and may have any CCTV or dashcam, please contact us. We believe the suspects were travelling between these locations on foot.”