Crime taskforce arrests five teenagers who mugged a male victim in Camden
A Violent Crime Taskforce (VCTF) team on patrol have arrested five teenagers suspected of committing a robbery in Camden.
The team conducted fast-time enquiries to track their location after a report of a robbery on Bedford Avenue, near Tottenham Court road, was reported approximately at 21:00hrs on Tuesday, 14 February.
A male victim in his teens was accosted by one of the perpetrators, who demanded to hand over his coat and wallet.
The police said his gang members surrounded the victim after he attempted to turn around to go in a different direction. He was bundled to the ground before the group assaulted him and snatched his mobile phones, causing minor injuries.
The VCTF were near Tottenham Court road, and their attention was drawn to the robbery.
Police gathered that a group fitting the description of the suspects were sighted in Waltham Forest on the Church Road junction with Park Road, about an hour from the crime scene.
Officers tracked the suspects and searched and recovered a phone belonging to the victim from one of the suspects.
All five males – aged between 17 and 18 – were arrested on suspicion of robbery and remain in custody. Enquiries continue.
Detective Sergeant Ross Smith, from the Violent Crime Taskforce, said: "This was a terrifying experience for the victim who has sadly received some minor injuries during the incident. Robbery is a violent crime that often leaves a lasting impact on the victims.
"Tackling violence on our streets is a priority for the Met, and these arrests show our commitment to tackling robbery and keeping London safe.
"It is important that victims and witnesses contact the police as soon as a robbery has occurred. The first hour after a robbery or the 'golden hour' period is critical to helping us catch suspects and taking violent offenders off the streets."
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 7193/14FEB. If you are a victim of a robbery or have witnessed a robbery take place, dial 999 immediately. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.
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