Warnings After New Spate Of Local Muggings

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More reports of thefts and advice to keep phones hidden

There's been a new spate of muggings in the area and warnings have been issued for everyone carrying phones.

This Wednesday (1 May) police used Twitter to warn of incidents around Acton involving a duo on a moped, and later residents reported another mugging on Eaton Rise near St Benedict's school.

The online neighbourhood watch service OWL has sent out a further advisory regarding the crime spree:

''Now that schools are back in session, “it appears that the predatory gangs have returned to Central Ealing at times when our teenagers are travelling from and to school and college.”

We have received a few mugging reports. The latest took place, yesterday, just after school hours at the No 65 bus stop by Ealing Broadway station. “The pupil was mugged for his phone and the first indication suggested a gang of 10 members, all teens 17-19, dark skinned wearing dark tracksuit bottoms with black Adidas Jackets.”

This is to raise awareness and to make your children aware of the following advices given by the Police: 1/ not to walk with headphones, 2/ don’t carry the phone - making it visible; 3/ don’t take or make any calls unless it is an emergency, and best to step into a shop, for example, to do so; and 4/ be aware of your surrounding and 5/ carry personal alarms.

Personal alarms can be bought online and at very reasonable prices. Kindly note that these alarm devices are not connected to any services such as the police, the council, or emergencies, but once triggered, the alarm gives the person about 30-40 seconds to react and/or to draw attention.

Finally, do not shy away from reporting and immediately any suspicious individuals or activities by calling 999.''

2 May 2019