We are investigating and have increased patrols after two groups of teenagers were victims of a robbery and an attempted robbery in Cannock town centre over the last few days. 

Four teenage boys were approached on Market Street at around 4.40pm on Sunday (23 February) by a group of eight or nine teenagers. The four boys were threatened with a knife was that concealed in the waistband of one of the teen’s trousers.

A 15-year-old boy had his phone, watch, bank card, coat and electric scooter stolen and was punched in the face. He did not require hospital treatment. Three other boys, aged 14, also had their phones stolen. 

The suspects were wearing all black clothes and face masks. A couple were riding scooters. 

Officers searched the town centre including the train station and the surrounding area but there were no further sightings of the group. 

At 4.25pm yesterday (Wednesday 26 February), two teenage boys were approached while sitting on a bench outside JD Sports on Market Street by two teenage boys and a teenage girl. They asked if they had hotspots on their phones but the two boys walked away. One of them was grabbed by a black teenage boy with dreadlocks. There was another black teenage boy with short hair and a white teenage girl. Nothing was stolen and no-one was injured.  

We have increased patrols in the area to try and identify the suspects and offer reassurance to the community. Local officers have reviewed CCTV footage and are progressing enquiries. We are also liaising with British Transport Police and West Midlands Police. 

We understand how distressing incidents like this are for the young people involved, and their parents. We’d urge anyone with any information, CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage to call us on 101, quoting incident 487 of 23 February, or use Live Chat on our website.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.