Hampshire Constabulary

Police in Southampton are appealing for witnesses and information after a series of robberies in the city centre.

In the past two days a total of five men, all aged in their twenties, have been robbed while walking through the city during the evening.

At about 8.45pm on Tuesday, October 21, a 22-year-old man was approached by two youths wearing hoodies outside the Southampton Solent University building in East Park Terrace.

One grabbed the victim round the throat while the other demanded he hand over his phone. The robbers made off with £25 in cash and the victim’s mobile.

At around the same time that evening a 26-year-old man was walking through Palmerston Park when he was approached by two youths wearing hoodies who demanded the victim hand over his phone and money or they would beat him up.

The victim handed over a small amount of cash. At 7.35pm yesterday (Tuesday, October 22), a 20-year-old man was approached by three youths near the Emily Davies Halls of Residence in Fitzhugh Street.

One pushed him to the ground and another pinned him down and punched him in the face, before stealing his earphones.

Later in the evening at approximately 10pm a 27-year-old man was walking through Hoglands Park from the direction of Houndwell Place when he was approached by three youths near to the skate park.

One of the robbers placed a hand round the victim’s throat and across his mouth while another of the youths searched his pockets.

The three then ran off with the victim’s mobile phone and wallet in the direction of Palmerston Road.

At 10.10pm a 24-year-old man was followed along Newcombe Road by three youths who grabbed the victim in a headlock and demanded he hand over his money.

The victim fought back and the robbers ran off without any of the victim’s belongings. On each occasion the victims have described the robbers as; 

• Male
• White
• Aged 18 – 22 years
• Slim to medium build
• All wearing baggy tracksuits with their hoods up. One is wearing a darker tracksuit, another wearing a lighter tracksuit.

Det Constable Russell Bennett of the Street Robbery Investigation Team, said: “We are linking all of these robberies, which clearly have a common theme. All our victims have been men in their 20s who have been approached by two or three youths while on their way home.

“The incidents have left these men extremely shaken and I would urge members of the public who witnessed any of these robberies to please get in contact.

“I’d also reiterate the advice that when walking through the city, be alert and do not walk alone through isolated areas which could make you more vulnerable.”

As a result of the robberies and some recent incidents which have occurred within the city’s parks, police will be increasing high visibility patrols in the city’s parks and open spaces during the evenings.

Southampton Crime Prevention officer, Sarah Badham, said: “Hampshire Constabulary is working closely with the city council to look at ways in which we can improve safety in our city centre parks and open spaces.

“That consultation is ongoing and in the mean time we would appeal to members of the public to take responsibility for their own safety and do everything they can to protect themselves. Parks are away from main routes and because of this people are more vulnerable and could be more likely to become victims of crime.”