CCTV clue in hunt for serial robber who ambushes women at gunpoint

Friday March 19, 2010

By CHARLOTTE CHAMBERS

POLICE have released an image of the man they suspect is behind a spate of
armed robberies around the Adelaide Road area this week in an urgent appeal
for information.

Victims of the attacker are said to be “traumatised” by the four robberies,
which took place between Sunday and Thursday this week.

The man has been described as black and in his 20s or 30s. He is
between 5’7 and 6’3 and was wearing dark clothing.

The New Journal revealed details of the robber on Thursday, describing how
victims had been left “terrified” and badly shaken by the crime.

Moving to assure people in the NW3 area, Chief Inspector Louis Smith of
Camden’s Community and Partnership team said: "There will be additional
patrols in the area and our advice is to remain vigilant and call police to
report anything suspicious. Residents with any concerns can call their local
Safer Neighbourhoods Team."

The first time the gunman struck, on Sunday, he approached a couple in an
Adelaide Road tower block as they entered the lifts and produced a gun
before forcing them into their home to rob them.

The following evening, the same suspect tried to rob a 47-year-old woman
outside her home in Lisburne Road in South End Green, but was put off after
the woman walked to a neighbour’s door. Again he produced a gun, held it
against her face, and this time ordered her to hand over money and not to
look at him.

Just minutes after that failed attempt he struck again, this time targeting
a woman in her mid-twenties in Chalcot Gardens off Haverstock Hill. He
approached her from behind as she was entering a communal doorway and pressed
a gun to her head, demanding cash. This time he was successful and made off
with the money after backing out of the door.

On Thursday, police believe the same man carried another robbery in Tudor
Close in Belsize Park and minutes away from Chalcot Gardens. This time he
approached a 30-year-old woman as she was entering her block of flats and
again, produced a gun and told her to be quiet. He grabbed her handbag and
ran away.

A police press officer said: “The robberies, all committed in the evening
between Sunday 14th March 2010 and Thursday 18th March 2010, have been
linked by detectives due to the description of the suspect and the method in
which they were committed.

“In each case, the man approached as his victims were entering the doorway
to residential blocks. He produced a handgun of some description, demanded
personal property and then fled on foot. His victims were left traumatised,
though not physically injured.”

Police have urged members of the public to dial 999 rather than approach him
if they see him. Anyone with information can call Detective Sergeant Muddy Waters on 020 8733
6116 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.