Police hunt two moped robbers following latest attack in Belsize Park

Published: 08 July, 2010
by TOM FOOT

MOPED robbers have struck again in the latest violent attack in Belsize Park.

Detectives say catching  the criminals is “their top priority” after a 42-year-old woman was punched in the face by a man in Chalcot Gardens at 6.15pm on Thursday. 

The woman, who suffered cuts and bruises, had her watch stolen in the attack.

The robber, wearing a helmet, escaped on the back of a moped driven by a second suspect.

It is the fifth violent robbery by two men on a moped in Belsize Park since May 17.

Detective chief inspector Mark Strugnell said: “We believe the latest incident may be part of a linked series, all involving two suspects on a moped, stealing jewellery and other personal items. There is a great deal of work underway to find those responsible.”

Moped robberies are frequent in the West End, where drivers smash jewellery shop windows with sledgehammers before making their getaway in a matter of minutes.

No arrests have been made following five robberies in Belsize Park.