More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Teenagers are being targeted for their Apple AirPods by London gangs coming in to north Kent by train.
The latest incident, in which a 15-year-old boy was mugged on The Brent in Stone, Dartford, happened last Thursday.
The wireless audio device costs £160 and can be paired with any phone via Bluetooth making it difficult to trace once stolen.
In response police said they were now stepping up their patrols in the town centre, as well as Greenhithe and other key locations and times.
Officers – both in uniform and plain clothes – have been joined by town centre constables and community support officers in trying to stamp out these activities.
As a result, they say they are seeing a reduction in robberies but are continuing to maintain a focus on this type of crime.
It is believed some of the offenders may be coming into north Kent from London by train.
Earlier this month police were called to Greenhithe station after reports a 16-year-old was robbed by a gang for her AirPods and cash.
Then just a few days later an attempted robbery in London Road was foiled when a driver pulled over to tell a group of four muggers to leave a woman alone.
It followed a spate of attacks on young people at the nearby Bluewater following which the shopping centre issued an apology for its handling of the incidents, and two arrests were made.
The father of one 15-year-old victim took to Facebook following the ordeal to slam the mall for a "lack of compassion".
Police said they are working closely with British Transport Police to disrupt these individuals.
In a letter to Stone ward councillor Kelly Grehan Chief Inspector Neil Louden issued advice to the public to remain vigilant.
He said: "Look confident – you are less likely to be targeted if you look confident. Move with purpose and try to be aware of your surroundings.
"Know where you’re going – plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you’re going somewhere you haven’t been before.
"Keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV. Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app.
"Hide it – keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight. If you’re using your phone it’s more likely to be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you.
"And never leave a mobile, any other device, wallet or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub or restaurant. Same goes for any jewellery you might be wearing – keep it covered when walking down the street.
The police chief issued one final warning, adding this was the most important to remember: "If you’re threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t".
Temple Hill Cllr Victoria Oguntope (Lab) raised concerns over the effects of police cuts on town centre violence.
"There has never been a greater need for more police presence in our community in light of the growing popularity of robberies and break-ins in our community, " she said.
The councillor attributed this to central government cuts to front line services, adding: "We commend the work of officers on our roads and what they've been able to to achieve with the little resources at their disposal.
"Nonetheless, there is immense pressure on the services and police presence on our streets.
"It's clear the police department needs resources in supporting our community and preventing such acts from recurring or from escalating to a territory unbeknown to us."
