The spate of bag snatches turned violent last Friday as a female victim split her chin open and grazed her knees as she was dragged along the pavement.

The latest incident happened on 21st December at 20.00 as the 37 year old female was walking along the pavement of Devonshire Road towards the Hogarth Roundabout.

Just before she reached The Devonshire, the suspect cycled up behind her and grabbed hold of her bag. The woman kept hold of it and was pulled off her feet causing her to fall to the pavement and split her chin open and graze her knees.

The suspect has continued riding and although initially got hold of the bag, dropped it and kept cycling towards the subway at Hogarth Roundabout.

The suspect is described as male, 5’10”, wearing tan coloured leather jacket with a hood and slim cut dark trousers.

DI Jeff Minns said “There have been a number of these offences by youths on bicycles, and they keep happening. Local police have additional patrols and plain clothes working in the area, and we will arrest these youths. In the mean time, please, please be aware of what’s going on around you, be aware of youths on bikes and I’m afraid; develop eyes in the back of your head, don’t let there be any more. Any concerns or you are not sure about somebody, call police, and don’t hesitate. Police want you to help us catch these guys before someone gets seriously hurt.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Hounslow CID on 0208 247 6160/5940 or Crime Stoppers 0800 555111 quoting reference 0528291/07

December 29, 2007