Police Link Series of Ealing 'Hugging' Robberies

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Suspect believed to be an Eastern European woman in 30s who may work with others

Detectives are linking a series of robberies in Southall and Greenford with others in the area.

At around 4.35pm on Thursday, 4 April on Hambrough Road in Southall, a 78-year-old woman reported that she was walking along the street when a woman got out of the passenger seat of a car and approached her.

She then leaned towards the victim - as if to put something around her neck or hug her - before pulling off her gold necklace. She then fled the scene in the same car.

Police believe this is linked with other robberies wich are reported to have taken place on:

- Friday, 8 March on Lodge Avenue, Harrow.
- Friday, 5 April on Godfrey Avenue, Greenford.
- Sunday, 7 April on Norwood Green Road, Southall.
- Monday, 8 April on Carlyle Avenue, Southall.
- Sunday, 14 April on Kingshill Avenue, Hayes.
- Sunday, 21 April on Dollis Hill Lane.
- Saturday, 4 May on Bulstrode Road, Hounslow.

All describe the suspect as an Eastern European woman, of large build and around 30 years old. Officers believe she may be working with a number of other individuals.

Enquiries, including analysis of CCTV, are ongoing but no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 with reference 5355/4APR

Police have not released any photos or CCTV.

May 22 2019