Police concern over muggings and burglaries

A 60-year old woman suffered a broken arm when an attacker snatched her handbag as she walked along Bolebrooke Road on Saturday at 5pm in the latest incident.

The attack - described as 'appalling' by the head of Rother CID - is the fourth mugging in Bexhill in less than a month.

DC Ian Smith, investigating, said: "The attacker grabbed the lady's handbag and she struggled.

"He ran off towards the seafront with the handbag. The victim lost less than 100 but it is not only the loss of the cash, it is the grief that this causes. She is now having to change all the locks in her house."

Only last Monday a woman waiting for a bus in Cowdray Park Road, Little Common, was approached by a man who asked for directions while a second man snatched her bag.

The pair made off in a black estate car. Earlier, a woman suffered a cut hand when a thief tried in vain to snatch her bag in Cantelupe Road.

Another bag snatch took place on March 21 in Manor Road.

Police are investigating the possibility of a connection.

Detective Inspector Trevor Bowles said of the most recent incident: "This was an appalling attack.

"I am sure that someone saw the attack or knows who is responsible.

"We will not tolerate crime of this nature."

Det Insp Bowles said he was also alarmed by the increase in bogus callers preying on Bexhill's many elderly and vulnerable residents.

Typically, they steal money or possessions after tricking their way into people's homes with tall stories. They often say there has been a family emergency or ask to use the phone because their car has broken down.

Det Insp Bowles said: "We are following a number of positive leads in relation to this despicable type of offence. Targets of these burglaries are often elderly and vulnerable people who are tricked by offenders who are able to talk their way into people's homes.

"All residents of the Rother district should be careful of any caller who is not expected or who presents an unusual story designed at gaining access to the home.

"If anyone is in any doubt as to the identity of the caller, the police should be called immediately.

He urged anyone with information on any of the muggings or burglaries to contact Rother CID on 0845 60 70 999 or call Crimestoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Saturday's attacker was white, in his 20s, 5ft 8in, of slim build and wearing a grey fleece, black jeans and black trainers. He had a blue shirt with distinctive black vertical stripes.

Through DC Smith, the victim, who lives in Bexhill, told the Observer she was deeply upset about having her handbag stolen because it contained so many irreplaceable personal items.

DC Smith said: "She is worried about this sort of thing happening to her again.

"I explained that this is extremely unlikely as she had put up such a struggle."