Police have told residents in one of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods they should arm themselves with “keys and umbrellas” after a string of street robberies.
Scotland Yard said a group of two to four hooded men in their twenties have been seen prowling Hampstead Garden Suburb in a dark car, ambushing women and stripping them of their jewellery as they step outside their homes.
The enclave just north of Hampstead Heath, where detached mansions fetch upwards of £20 million, is home to many celebrities including TV presenters Jonathan Ross and Richard and Judy Madeley.
Pc Edward Bromilow, ward officer in neighbouring Frognal, circulated a newsletter warning residents of the “troubling” series of robberies.
He told them: “You can use as much force as you can to get away, as long as it’s reasonable to the threat. You can even use things like keys and umbrellas, so you don’t need to carry items specifically to defend yourself.”
The officer also advised residents to consider buying personal attack alarms, take self-defence lessons or even to get a dog, adding: “Don’t put yourself on display. When you go out make sure you cover your watches, rings, earrings and jewels or take them off when you step outside.
“Dress down when you aren’t going to a special occasion — just so they aren’t on show for all to see.”
The intervention comes weeks after 19-year-old George Zelonka fought off an attacker with an umbrella during an attempted raid in Hampstead
One woman in her sixties was robbed of her wedding ring on her doorstep as she arrived home from a night out with her husband on May 31.
Ten days later another woman living nearby had a ring snatched as she went to put rubbish in her dustbin and three days after that a third woman in the area was attacked by thugs who ripped off her diamond earrings.
Resident Kate Webster, 59, said the robberies have shocked the community. She went on: “It’s lucky nobody has been seriously hurt.
“This is an affluent area and we’re being targeted — it’s horrible. We’ve always felt safe here but now when I go out in the evening I never take a handbag or jewellery just in case something happens.”
Police said patrols had been increased and appealed for information.
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