A woman in her 60s had her bag stolen before the suspect fled empty-handed after targeting another woman minutes later.
Police say they are investigating the robbery and attempted robbery which took place at Potters Bar on Thursday evening (March 10).
Hertfordshire Constabulary said the two incidents happened near the Tesco Express store in Mutton Lane around 8pm.
The first victim – a woman in her 60s – was walking home in Auckland Road, near the junction with Cambridge Drive, when she put shopping bags on the ground.
Police say a man then burst into her and grabbed one of the bags and fled down Cambridge Drive towards Mimms Hall Road.
Detectives say a second report was received that between 8.15pm and 8.20pm a woman returning home from Tesco was approached in Mimms Hall Road.
The man grabbed his handbag and tried to pull it out, but the victim – in his 40s – held on and screamed.
The suspect again attempted to remove the bag from her, but the woman continued to scream, prompting her attacker to flee without the bag.
Police say the suspect is described as white, around 30 years old and around 5ft 10in tall. He was wearing a gray hoodie and was smoking a cigarette.
Detective Constable Erik Gale, of the local Hertsmere Crime Unit, said: “Our investigations are continuing at this time, and I appeal to anyone who saw the incident, or who may have seen the suspect in the area at this time, to please create a contact.
“I would also like to hear from anyone else who may have information about the incident. I would also like to reassure residents that we have increased our patrols in the area and are actively looking for the suspect.”
Anyone with information can email DC Gale at Erik.Gale@herts.police.uk and quote crime reference 41/19645/22.
Or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
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Source: www.times-series.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-03-12 13:25:02
