Police step up patrols in Sheffield after series of robberies in city
All of the crimes took place in the Weston Park area
Police in Sheffield have ramped up patrols in the city following a string of recent robberies in the city.
All of the crimes have taken place in the Weston Park area of the city, with victims being held at knife-point and made to hand over their belongings.
In total, five incidents have been reported between January 16th and 25th, with South Yorkshire Police believing the robberies are linked.
As a result, South Yorkshire Police have opened individual investigations for each incident and appealed for more information from the public.
The first incident took place in Weston Park at 7pm on January 16th, when a man in his 20s was approached by three hooded men aged between 16 and 19.
The attackers pulled out a flick knife and held it against the victim's stomach, demanding his phone and wallet, before making off with his items.
A second attack was reported to have taken place just six minutes later in Ponderosa Park, when a woman was approached by four men, again forcing the victim to give them her phone and wallet, whilst at knife-point.
In the third incident, another man in his 20s was made to hand over his belongings when threatened with a knife near Crookes Valley Road on January 22nd.
Another man in his 20s was targeted in the fourth occurence, when he was surrounded by five men aged between 17 and 19, with one wielding a large knife. The group got away with the victim's phone and wallet, but unsuccessfully tried to steal the man's rucksack.
A woman, also in her 20s was the latest victim on January 25th, when she was confronted by two men aged 16 and 17, again holding a knife. The two men retrieved cash from the woman before making off.
Speaking about the robberies, Inspector Kevin Smith from the Sheffield North West Neighbourhood Policing Team appealed for people to come forward with any information.
"Thankfully, no-one has been injured during any of these incidents but they have been frightening ordeals for the victims – they have all been threatened with a knife or other bladed weapon and forced to hand over their possessions," he said.
“We are taking all five instances extremely seriously and have increased the number of high visibility patrols in and around the area to help reassure people and to deter further offences."
Inspector Smith added that people should remain vigilant when crossing through parks to avoid becoming a victim.
“All the five robberies happened during the hours of darkness and usually in a location away from the main thoroughfares. I would therefore urge people to walk in groups wherever possible and stick to the main routes through parks and surrounding areas. Always look to keep an eye on your surroundings and try and avoid distractions.”