Man arrested following string of robberies in Waterlooville

Officers investigating a series of robberies in Waterlooville have arrested a 20-year-old man.

The arrest comes after three incidents were reported to us on Tuesday 7 December:

• It was reported to us at 6.45pm that a robbery had taken place on Stakes Hill Road. A 16-year-old boy was walking home when three males approached him and assaulted him before stealing his backpack, which contained a number of items including keys, a wallet and a mobile phone. His bank card was later used. The boy suffered minor injuries to his neck and face.
• It was reported to us later on the same night that a 43-year-old man had been threatened with a knife by three males shortly after 8pm on Athena Avenue. Nothing was taken and the man was not injured.
• At around 8.15pm on the same evening, we received a report that three males had approached a 21-year-old man on Crookhorn Lane and assaulted him in an attempt to steal his phone. He attended Queen Alexandra Hospital with injuries to his ribs and head. He has since been discharged.

A 20-year-old man of no fixed abode has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of robbery. He remains in police custody at this time.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some crime prevention advice to help keep yourself and your property safe when you’re out and about:

• Be aware of your surroundings and if you feel at risk call 101. If you feel in danger or if a crime is in progress always call 999.
• If possible, try and spread your valuables around your body. For example, keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your pocket and your money in your jacket, which makes it less likely that all your belongings will be stolen if you do become a victim of crime.
• Register your property for free at immobilise.com – it will help us reunite you with your property if it is recovered.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of money and valuable items where possible.

We would like to reassure local communities that we believe this series to be an isolated series and that there is no wider risk to the public at this time. Our neighbourhood officers will be carrying out additional patrols in the area and we would ask you to approach them if you have any questions or concerns.