🚨 CRIME PREVENTION ALERT – ELDERLY RESIDENTS BEING TARGETED FOR GOLD JEWELLERY 🚨

Good Evening Preston Residents,

Please be aware of an increase in robberies and thefts targeting elderly residents wearing visible gold jewellery, particularly around:

📍 South Kenton Station
📍 Northwick Park
📍 Preston Road Station

Current reports indicate suspects are described as Black, White European or White Middle Eastern males in appearance, although investigations remain ongoing and descriptions may vary.

⚠️ Type 1 – Necklace Snatch Robberies

Elderly residents wearing visible gold jewellery, typically gold necklaces, are being followed from transport hubs and buses by males believed to be in their 20s. Victims are then targeted on quieter roads, where suspects approach from behind and snatch necklaces from around their neck before making off.

🔹 On 20/06/2026 at approximately 18:20hrs, an elderly female victim was robbed on Northwick Avenue after leaving the Northwick Park area.
🔹 A further similar incident occurred on the same day in Grasmere Avenue.

📈 Current intelligence suggests this type of offending is most prevalent during weekends.

⚠️ Type 2 – Distraction Thefts

Elderly residents wearing visible gold jewellery are also being targeted through distraction techniques.

🔹 Typically, a female suspect, sometimes accompanied by another woman or a male, approaches the victim asking for directions or claiming they are visiting someone in hospital and need assistance.
🔹 While engaging the victim in conversation, the suspect may take hold of or hug the victim. During this interaction, jewellery such as gold necklaces, bracelets or bangles may be removed without the victim immediately realising.

✅ Crime Prevention Advice

🛡️ Consider concealing valuable jewellery when travelling or walking in public.
🛡️ Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly when leaving stations, bus stops and shopping areas.
🛡️ Be cautious of strangers asking for assistance who invade your personal space.
🛡️ Do not allow unknown persons to hug or physically touch you.
🛡️ If you believe you are being followed, move to a busy area and call for assistance.
🛡️ Check on elderly family members, friends and neighbours and make them aware of these crime trends.

👮 Your local policing teams are aware of these incidents and are working hard to identify those responsible. We are conducting enquiries, reviewing available CCTV opportunities and gathering intelligence to bring offenders to justice and prevent further victims.

📞 Report suspicious activity to 101.
🚔 If a crime is in progress or has just occurred, call 999 immediately.

💙 Please share this message with family, friends and neighbours to help protect vulnerable members of our community. Your vigilance and reporting can make a real difference.

Kind Regards,

Preston Safer Neighbourhoods Team 🚓