Attempted robbery on Worting Road

The incident occurred at 5.40pm as the 47-year-old woman was walking to a bus stop on Worting Road. As she approached the White Hart pub, she felt a push from behind and saw a man trying to pull her handbag from her shoulder.

A short struggle ensued and the man demanded the woman’s bag. She refused and managed to free the bag from the man’s grip and he ran off towards Old Kempshott Lane.

The woman suffered a small cut to her arm during the incident.

The man is described as:

• White
• Aged in his late teens
• Skinny build
• Wearing a grey hooded top

PC Rod Kenny, from Basingstoke police station, said: “This incident occurred during an early Saturday evening and I would expect lots of people to have been out and about in this area.

“If anyone did witness this incident, or has any information about the person responsible, please contact us.

“Street robberies area rare in the Basingstoke area, however incidents like this do occur, and people, especially lone women, should be aware of their personal safety when out walking, especially when light conditions are poor.”

Hampshire Constabulary offers the following Safer Streets advice:

• You will be safest in bright, well lit and busy areas. Avoid taking routes that take you through unlit, unpopulated areas.
• Try to look and act confident – look like you know where you are going. 
• Try to keep valuables out of sight. Do not advertise to criminals that you have items of value on you.
• If someone tries to take something from you, it might be better to let them take it, rather than risk being injured in a confrontation. 
• Report the incident to police. It is important for the police to build up an accurate picture of where crimes are occurring so they can try to prevent them.
• Call your bank or credit card company as soon as possible and put a stop on all your cards – the phone number will usually be on your statement, can be found at cash machines or by calling directory enquiries. 

Can you help?

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Kenny at Basingstoke police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111. Mini-Com users can call 01962 875000.