Reports of robberies down 20 per cent

3:37pm Tuesday 18th November 2008

Robbery rates in the borough have been cut by almost 20 percent in the last year.

Figures show an 18.8 percent drop in the number of incidents reported to police in the 12 months leading up to September this year, compared to the same period is 2006/07.

The latest statistics follow the arrest of three robbers in a month for separate attacks in Finchley and Golders Green.

Two men were arrested after an assault in Dollis Park left one man “severely shaken”, a police spokesman said.

The victim had his laptop and rucksack stolen, but following an area search by community support officers and the Safer Transport team, a 27-year-old and a 38-year old were found and charged in connection with the robbery.

The third arrest came after a street robbery in Finchley Road, Golders Green, when a man forced two 15-year-olds to hand over cash.

Police stopped the 30-year-old suspect further down Finchley Road and, following a positive identification by the victims, arrested him and charged him with robbery.

Detective Inspector Duncan Wood, of Barnet Police, said: “I am delighted with the swift and positive actions of officers which led to the detection of two crimes and three arrests.

“We continue to employ every method available to maintain the downward trend in robberies across the borough and I can assure residents that when crimes are reported, we will do everything within our power to bring the perpetrators to justice.”