Handbag robbers target lone women in four street attacks

The women were left with minor injuries after their handbags were stolen by thugs in Glasgow.

Police are appealing for information after the attacks which took place throughout Glasgow on Tuesday, October 18 and Wednesday, October 19.

At around 3.30pm on Tuesday, a 22-year-old woman was robbed of her handbag at Beaconsfield Road, Glasgow. She sustained a minor injury as result of the incident and did not require medical attention.

At around 6.25pm on the same day, an 18-year-old woman was robbed of her handbag at Armadale Street, Glasgow. She sustained a minor injury as a result of the incident. She was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where she was released after treatment.

Later on Tuesday At around 9.25pm a 28-year-old female was robbed of her handbag at Great Western Road close to St Georges Cross, Glasgow. She sustained a minor injury and did not require medical attention.

The following day, Wednesday, October 19, a 47-year-old woman was robbed of her handbag outside Tesco Extra, Dalmarnock Road, Glasgow. She sustained a minor injury and was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, where she was released after treatment.

It has not been confirmed if these incidents are linked and a description of the suspect or suspects is still to be confirmed, police said.

Detective Inspector Alasdair Barlow of the specialist Community Investigation Unit, based at Govan, said today: “We do not yet know if these incidents are linked, or if it was one man or a group of men who are responsible for these robberies which left four women with minor injuries and in a state of shock.

“In all the incidents, one man approached the victims and either attempted to punch the women or drag the women to the ground before making off with their personal property. No weapons were used in these incidents.

“We know that the women were on their own at the time these incidents occurred. This speaks to the character and the cowardice of the person or persons involved. We are doing all we can to trace the individual or individuals responsible and ensure that they are held to account for his actions. We are analysing CCTV, conducting door to door interviews and speaking with local businesses and transport operators.

“Anyone with information should contact the Community Investigation Unit at Govan via 101 or contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111.”

“There are high visibility patrols being deployed in areas were these women were targeted. If you have any information which can assist, please come forward and speak to these officers.

“As police officers, we will not let this man to go undetected. As a community, we will not allow the actions of criminals to make women feel unsafe in the areas where they live, work or travel to. Anyone with any concerns about their personal safety should visit their local police office or contact us via 101.”