Warning over mobile phone thefts

POLICE are warning mobile phone users not to use their handsets in public after a spate of muggings throughout Redbridge.

In one incident at the end of last month, a shocked 18-year-old man had a gun held to his head and a knife to his throat and was forced to hand over his phone.

The teenager, who received a slash to his hand in the confrontation, was so traumatised by the incident that he could not authorise a police appeal for his attackers until last week.

The teenager was walking along New Road, Ilford, near the Job Centre, at around 10.45pm on Friday, February 24, when he was approached by three men who came up behind him.

An Ilford police spokeswoman said: "One of them held a small black gun to his head which he grabbed. He felt it was metal. The second attacker came from behind and held a knife to his throat.

"One of his attackers said "give me your mobile" and searched him, taking his phone and money. In the struggle the victim's hand was cut and he came into Ilford Police Station where he was given first aid."

They thugs who took his Motorola 350 phone worth £50 and £200 in cash, were all black with the main attacker described as 28 years old, around 6ft tall and was wearing an off-white jacket and blue jeans.

In two separate incidents last week, two people had their picture messaging phones stolen worth £450 and £500 in Ilford.

Last Wednesday, at just after midnight, the 24-year-old was using his phone while walking along Philpot Path, Winston Way, when two black males aged around 25 came up from behind and grabbed his phone, flinging him to the floor.

And in the second attack, a 16-year-old boy was using his Nokia 7210 on a 387 bus, after boarding it outside King George Hospital, when an 18-year-old sat next to him, asked to see his phone and stole it.

The crook pulled the emergency cord and jumped off the bus. He was described as black, around 5ft 10ins tall and was wearing a green baseball cap and green clothing. He was also carrying a black rucksack.

Police have stepped up their warnings to residents to always keep their handsets hidden in public and only make calls in private or in safe surroundings.

Any witnesses to the gun and knife incident should ring DC Jeremy Phillips from the burglary and robbery squad on 8345 2610. Witnesses to the other muggings should ring DC Tom Hassle on the same number.

10:08 Saturday 15th March 2003

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