Ten arrested during national week of action to tackle robberies

Ten people, including nine outstanding offenders, have been arrested in Bedfordshire during a week-long operation to crack down on robberies.

Operation Calibre, which ran from Saturday 10 December to Saturday 17 December, is a national initiative which sees forces across the country carry out enforcement, engagement, education, and prevention activity as part of intensified efforts to tackle personal robbery crime.

During the week of action, officers from Bedfordshire Police focused on targeting suspects wanted in connection with robbery offences through proactive arrest warrants, as well as carrying out patrols in known hotspot areas.

Due to the nature of the crime, identifying robbery offenders can be particularly difficult – often victims do not know their attacker, and criminals will make every effort to disguise themselves.

However, owing to the efforts and evidence gathered by scenes of crime officers (SOCOs) and investigation teams, nine outstanding suspects were successfully identified and subsequently arrested.

A direct arrest was also made during the week after a victim was followed into a public toilet and robbed.

Detective Sergeant Stephanie Garfitt, the force lead for Operation Calibre, said: “This is a positive result and I want to thank everyone involved in getting these offenders off the streets, particularly the victims and witnesses who helped us with our enquiries and supported our investigations.

“Personal robbery is an awful crime which often sees perpetrators prey on the most vulnerable members of society, such as children, and use extreme force to get what they want.

“Reducing robbery is a key element in tackling violence, so we will continue to do all we can to achieve this and protect our communities.”

Robberies often spike during the festive season, as offenders are likely to target unsuspecting victims who may be more vulnerable after a night out, so it’s important to remain vigilant this time of year.

Here are some ways you can help to protect yourself from personal robbery:

• Anyone can become a victim of robbery but criminals tend to look for easy opportunities, so you are less likely to be targeted if you look confident - move with purpose and try to be aware of your surroundings.
•  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.
• 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.
• If you’re threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t.

If you are a victim of personal robbery, report it online or call police on 101.

Always call 999 in an emergency.