Man Robbed in Vyne Road

Police in Basingstoke are appealing for witnesses and information following a robbery in the town on Wednesday, April 22.

Between 12.45am and 12.55am, the 41-year-old victim was walking along Vyne Road with his teenage son when he was approached by two men.

One of the men threatened the man and said he had a knife, although no weapon was seen, and took the man’s Nokia mobile phone.

The first man is described as:

•  White
• Aged in his late teens
• 5ft 10ins
• Slight build
• Slightly spotty complexion
• Wearing a waist length hooded waterproof top and dark trousers

The second man is described as:

•  White
• Aged in his late teens
• 5ft 8ins
• Slight to medium build
• Wearing a black hooded jacket with a white t-shirt underneath, pulled up to cover his face

PC Alexander Stypulkowski, from Basingstoke’s Targeted Patrol Team, said: “Robbery is a particularly unpleasant crime and this incident was unusual as it happened in a residential area during the early hours of the morning.

“I would ask anyone who saw the incident, or knows who is responsible, to contact police in confidence.”

Hampshire Constabulary offers the following Safer Streets advice to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime:

• Mark your mobile phone with indelible pen, including the battery and the battery cover.
• Make a note of your mobile phone’s unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number by dialling *#06# Keep this number in a safe place.
• Register your mobile phone and other valuables with Immobilise, the world’s largest free searchable property register: www.immobilise.com. If your mobile phone is lost or stolen call the Immobilise mobile phone crime line on 08701 123 123 to have the phone blocked.
• If you’re walking alone stick to busy, well lit areas and try to look confident.
• Keep valuables out of sight – don’t walk and talk on your mobile phone at the same time.
• Keep your purse or wallet out of sight and don’t flash your cash.
• At night, choose a well lit location. If someone tries to take something from you it may be better to let them have it rather than try to defend yourself.
• If you decide to defend yourself remember that your attacker might be stronger than you – it is often better just to shout loudly and run away.

Can you help?