BMX Boys Sought for Spate of Handbag Snatches


Police appeal for information after linking a number of thefts

Police are appealing for information following handbag thefts which they believe to be linked.

The first incident happened in The Vale, W3 at 18.15 on 6th January.  The victim, a 34 year old white female from the Acton Area was walking across The Vale towards Third Avenue. As she passed Fat Boyz Cafe the suspect approached her from behind and snatched her bag from her hand.

The suspect then rode on along Third Avenue and turned right into Broad Passage. The victim gave chase on foot and saw the suspect turn right into Second Avenue to go towards The Vale. She then gave up the chase and contacted police.

Suspect is described as possibly male, about 5'07”, wearing a dark blue/black hoody and was riding a light coloured BMX type bicycle.

Property stolen was a black leather handbag containing £300, a silver sony Eriksson flip up phone (£150), keys on a speed data neck cord and various cosmetics.

Police believe that this crime is linked to another offence which also occurred on 6th January in Woodstock Road. 

The victim, 23 year old white female from South West London, and her 23 year old female friend left Turnham Green Tube Station at approximately 18.00 and left into Woodstock Road.  Approximately half way along Woodstock Road the victim, who was carrying her handbag and bags of shopping in her right hand, felt someone tug at her handbag, this caused the victim to drop her shopping and when she looked up she saw two young males on BMX bikes cycling off with her bag.

The first suspect is described as male, approximately 16 years old wearing a black beanie hat, black trousers and black jacket riding on a BMX bike.  The second suspect is described as male, approximately 16 years old also wearing a black beanie hat, black trousers and black jacket travelling on a BMX bike

The property stolen was a Blue Apple Nano Ipod (£120), £50 and €130. The victim’s handbag, wallet and cash cards were discovered in a public car park a short distance from the railway lines by a member of the public and handed to police.

No arrests have yet been made and the enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ealing Borough Police on 020 8810 1212 quoting reference 2500669/07 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

January 11, 2007