‘Be on your guard’ – Police warning to public after knifepoint robberies in York

Police in York are warning members of the public to be on their guard following three robberies in the city on Boxing Day night.

The first one happened on the footpath between Scarborough Bridge and Aldborough Way in York at approximately 8.25pm on December 26.

The victim, a 24-year-old man had his wallet and phone stolen by a man with a knife.

The suspect then left the area on foot back towards the centre of York. He is described as being in his late twenties or early thirties.

Two more robberies

A second robbery happened on Holgate Road at around 11.25pm.

Again the victim, a 25-year-old man, was approached by a man with a knife.

This time the suspect walked with the victim towards the iron bridge and stole his wallet and phone before leaving the scene on foot across the iron bridge.

In both these incidents, although the suspect was seen to have a knife, no one was physically injured.

The third robbery happened at around 11.30pm when the victim had his coat snatched from him by a man on a bicycle as he walked along Holgate Road. No knife was seen during this incident.

Officers are linking the first two incidents, and believe that the third incident may also be linked to them.

Advice to public

Detectives are appealing to anyone who was in the areas at the time and may have witnessed the incidents or has any other information to contact them.

They are also advising members of the public to be on their guard until the suspect has been caught.

Detective Sergeant Matthew Wilkinson, said:

York is a very safe city, however, these robberies are concerning and until the suspect is caught, we advise people to be aware and on their guard if they are walking in the area at night time.

If anyone has any information about the incidents, please get in touch as soon as possible.

How to help the police