Spate of robberies as teen gangs mass in Nuneaton

[dutchman]

Detectives say photographs and mobile phone footage is key to the investigations



Mobile phones and clothes were stolen during a series of robberies as two teen gangs met in a Nuneaton community.

Detectives have said that a "number of robberies" took place when the two gangs gathered on Middlemarch Road on Saturday.

999 calls were made to report disturbances between the large group of teens, aged between 14 and 18 years old, who had gathered at around 6.40pm.

When officers arrived they managed to disperse the gang into smaller groups but, as a result, police have said that several robberies then took place.

Keen to reassure the community, Detective Inspector Neil Reader explained that extra patrols are now in place in the area as the investigation continues.

"At the moment, we believe that the robberies all took place among the groups of young people - mostly it was mobile phones and clothing that were stolen. Nonetheless, we're keen to make sure local residents feel secure so our Nuneaton Safer Neighbourhood Teams will be increasing patrols in the area,” DI Reader said.

He believes that the teens themselves could hold the key to catching the robbers as they may have taken photographs and videos during the robberies.

"We believe that some of the young people involved may have taken photos and video footage on their mobile phones, and we're keen for anyone who's seen this footage to let us know,” DI Reader said.

“I'd also urge anyone with information about the incidents - no matter how small - to come forward and help our investigations."

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons but is from Coventry , was arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Those with information, photographs or footage should call the police non-emergency number 101 quoting incident reference 287 of November 25.

Details can also be passed on via the Crimestoppers hotline, which is free to call from a landline and confidential, on 0800 555 111 or log on to crimestoppers-uk.org