Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Police have arrested three teenage boys and stepped up uniformed patrols after a spate of robberies in the Memorial Ground in Yorktown Road, Sandhurst.

At about 7.40pm on 10 February, three boys aged 14 to 16 were in the Sandhurst Memorial Ground when they were threatened by two youths, who stole three mobile phones and a wallet.

At 3.30pm on 5 March, two young men aged 17 and 19 were threatened in the Sandhurst Memorial Ground by three youths, who stole a mobile phone and an iPod music player.

Following a high-profile operation, an 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident on 5 March. He is currently remanded in custody.

At about 9pm on 10 April, three boys aged between 15 and 16 were in the skate park at the Memorial Ground, Sandhurst when they were approached by a group of youths, who stole their mobile phones. The youths are white, in their mid teens and slim. One is very tall, about 6ft 4ins. Some youths matching this description were seen at Blackwater railway station at about 10.30pm catching a Reading-bound train.

Two 16-year-old boys have been arrested in relation to the incident on 10 April. They have been bailed until 4 June.

Sandhurst Detectives investigating the robbery on 10 April are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Con John Braddy of the Priority Crime Team on 0845 8 505 505. If you don’t want to speak to police or give your name, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Sgt Graham Thorne, neighbourhood policing sergeant for the Sandhurst and Crowthorne area, said: “Fortunately, crimes of this type are rare in Sandhurst. In response to these three incidents, we have stepped up patrols by neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs in the Memorial Ground and surrounding area.

“The high-visibility police presence, together with the recent arrests, should prevent further offences, but we would like to warn young people using the skate park and the Memorial Ground to take extra care.”

Ian Boswell, Safer Communities Manager for Bracknell Forest Borough Council, said: "It's extremely important that young people are vigilant and keep their mobile phones and music players out of sight where possible. It's tempting for thieves to strike if high-value goods are visible.

"This type of crime is very rare in Bracknell Forest and I'm pleased the police have increased their patrols at Sandhurst Memorial Park to send out the message that theft and any other type of crime is unacceptable. The Council will continue to offer all the support it can to reinforce this message and stamp out crime in the borough so that it remains a nice place to live, work and visit."

Thames Valley Police offer the following advice to avoid becoming a robbery victim:

• Keep your mobile phone out of sight as much as possible

• Keep your wallet out of sight and don’t flash your cash

• Keep your bag/rucksack closed, zipped and buckled. If someone grabs it, let it go. Bags – and their contents – can be replaced

• Use public transport rather than walk home alone

• Stick with your mates - you are more likely to be a target on your own

• Don't drink too much - you will be an easy target for a robber

• Take extra care when taking money out of the cashpoint and put your money away safely before leaving the cashpoint

• When using a cash machine go in daylight or with a mate if you can, or choose a well lit one

• If you suspect you are being followed, cross over the road to see if they follow. If you’re still worried, don’t hang about. Go into a pub or shop to call a mate to meet you

• Have your house keys ready before you reach the door. Rummaging around for them means you’re not looking at what’s around you

• Remember if you’re chatting on the phone or listening to your personal stereo, you won’t hear someone come up behind you

• When your gut says there’s trouble ahead there probably is! Go somewhere safer

• Steer clear of a confrontation. What’s the point? Life’s too short.

• If something does happen to you, report it to the police. You could stop it happening to somebody else. If you do not want to speak to the police or give your name contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Thames Valley Police ~ Sandhurst