We were reading through this notice from the police and our jaws continued to drop as we read further.
As we all know, generally the Island is pretty free from crime, so hearing about this kind of incident is all the more amazing.
Last Friday, 12 February, between 8-9pm, a 34 year old man was getting out of his black Daihatsu car on Maxted Close, Cowes.
Three men approached him and forced him to take off his clothes, which they took, along with his car keys, wallet and mobile phone. They assaulted him and drove off in his car.
Suspicion of blackmail & false imprisonment
He reported it to the police on Saturday, which lead to the arrest of four people in connection with the investigation, all of whom remain in custody at this time:
- 32-year-old Freshwater man on suspicion of false imprisonment
- 34-year-old Cowes woman on suspicion of blackmail
- 43-year-old Cowes man on suspicion of blackmail
- 33-year-old Newport man on suspicion of possession of a class A drug
Appeal for witnesses
Detective Sergeant John Stirling from Newport CID said: “The victim is clearly shaken by what’s happened.
“We believe whoever did this is known to him and we’re investigating the possibility that the incident is linked to drugs.
“I’d appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened or who saw the black Daihatsu leaving Maxted Close to get in touch.
“I’m also keen to hear from anyone with information about the incident. All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact DS Stirling at Newport CID on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
