Detectives are releasing a CCTV image of a suspect following two attempted street robberies in Bournemouth that are believed to be linked.
The first incident happened at around 12.45am on Thursday 17 May 2018 when the first victim – a man aged in his 40s – was walking along Porchester Place toward Holdenhurst Road. Two men approached the victim from behind, with one of the men who was on a bicycle telling him to give them his money, while the other threatened him with a knife.
The victim managed to run away and went into a nearby taxi office. One of the offenders followed the victim and made further verbal threats before leaving.
A second offence occurred around 10 minutes later, while another victim – a man aged in his 20s – was walking through the car park for Office Outlet on Holdenhurst Road. He was approached by two men who told him to empty his pockets and threatened him, but he refused and walked off.
Nothing was stolen and nobody was injured on either occasion.
Detective Constable Jo Poultney, of Bournemouth CID, said: “Following the initial reports we have been making detailed enquiries into the incidents. I am now in a position to issue a CCTV image of one of the suspects. While his face is not clearly shown, he was wearing a very distinctive jacket and I would appeal to anyone who may recognise him to please contact Dorset Police or call Crimestoppers anonymously.
“Due to both incidents happening at around the same time and same location, we do believe that the same offenders are responsible.
“I would also appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity at the relevant time and who witnessed anything suspicious or either incident occurring to get in touch with us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email [email protected] or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55180074456. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
