Abbotsford, BC – In the period from January 1 to May 15, 2015, there have been seventeen street robberies where victims were confronted in public places and cell phones, cash and jewelry were taken. Over 1/3 of these robberies have taken place on Saturdays and virtually all have occurred after 4:00 pm. These robberies have taken place in various locations throughout the city (to see the map – click here) and suspect descriptions have differed.
Suspects have produced a variety of weapons from knives to cutting shears. The majority of the crimes have involved at least two, but as many as eight, suspects. On five occasions the suspects wore masks or balaclavas to cover their faces. All but two of the victims have been male. Fifteen of the victims were under age 30. They have suffered a range of injuries from minor to requiring hospitalization.
Although APD investigators feel that some of these incidents are not random, we still want citizens to be aware and to elevate their personal safety practices. These street robberies occur with both the suspects and victims arriving in the same area on foot. They tend to occur in less populated and less well-lit areas. By walking in pairs or groups and staying near busier locations with good lighting, your safety is greatly improved.
Anyone with information about these robberies should contact the APD at 604-859-5225, text us at 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
