Man robbed in phone box outside West Thames College

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery outside West Thames College on London Road. The incident took place on Saturday 6th November at around 2.30 pm.

A mature male student at the college was in a phone box when a man knocked on the window of the box flourishing a piece of paper which had the Metropolitan Police insignia on it. He said there had been an assault nearby and he wanted to search the man. Another suspect was on the scene having a conversation on a mobile phone designed to give the impression he was a police officer.

The student refused and asked to see the identification again which the man declined to do. The victim took the contents of his pockets out to show the man at which point he made a grab for them. He was unsuccessful in getting the victim's phone and then told him he could go. Later the victim discovered his bank card was missing.

The suspects are described as two white males. The first one had short white hair, with an English accent, around 5ft 9" and of slim build. He was aged around 35 and wore a grey jacket with distinctive black gloves with white spots. The second man was aged around 22, with short blonde hair, medium build and an English accent. He wore a black jacket with black trousers.

If you have any information relating to this incident you are asked to call 020 8247 5940.

Police advise that if an individual presents themselves as being a police officer they would never object to a request for ID. If you remain unsure their identity can be verified with a phone call.

November 9, 2004