This in from the police, in their own words. Although the incident took place in Lymington, it is possible the suspect may be seen by Islanders visiting the mainland. Ed
Hampshire Constabulary is appealing directly to a suspected armed robber to surrender to police after a woman was kidnapped and a car was stolen in Lymington.
A man approached a house in Rookes Lane where he pointed a gun to threaten the residents; a woman aged in her 60s and a man aged in his 70s.
No shots were fired
The man, aged in his 70s, received a minor head injury during an altercation with the suspect inside the house, where money was demanded. No shots were fired. Approximately £100 in cash was stolen from the house.
The robber then stole the couple’s car, a silver/grey Peugeot 207 convertible, which was driven erratically at speed around the local area.
Woman was returned to her home
The woman aged in her 60s was forced by the robber to travel in the front passenger seat of the car.
She was not injured while the robber drove around Lymington, and was returned home around 15 minutes later, before the suspect drove away into Newenham Road, where he abandoned the car at the end of the cul-de-sac.
This series of events took place between 9.30am and 11.30am on the morning of Friday, December 14, 2012.
Direct appeal to the suspect
Hampshire Constabulary’s New Forest District Commander Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson said:
“I am appealing directly to the suspect to consider the consequences of his actions. From our initial enquiries, we understand you might be facing personal and painful circumstances in which you feel trapped and desperate for money. However, think long and hard about the distress and fear you are causing. I am imploring you to explore your conscience and do the right thing by contacting police to tell us where you are before you make any more reckless choices, which could hurt innocent people. Please phone us on 101.
“My appeal extends to any family or friends who think they may know this person or their current whereabouts. Please contact the police with what you know about this man. We appreciate this can be an exceptionally difficult moral decision for a loved one, but information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”
Investigation now linked to recent robbery at Brockenhurst railway station
“Further enquiries this weekend have led us to link this robbery to a similar crime committed at Brockenhurst railway station on December 5, 2012. We are working closely with British Transport Police (BTP) with specialist resources to identify and arrest a suspect as soon as possible. A major investigation is underway involving a large number of officers from a range of departments within the force, co-ordinated and dedicated under the operation name ‘Prenton’.
“I am calling on the community to be alert in spotting and reporting any suspicious behaviour or any information about the suspect’s identity or location. We cannot confirm at this time whether the gun seen by the couple was real or an imitation firearm, but my advice to members of the public is to phone police on 999 immediately if you see someone matching the suspect’s description. Do not approach him; his behaviour is unpredictable, and he could become distressed and agitated if approached.”
Witness appeal for the driver of a 4 x 4 car in West Lane
“I would like to thank members of the public who have come forward with information so far. Detectives are analysing the robber’s behaviour and his movements in the stolen Peugeot 207 on Friday morning. We remain particularly keen to trace and speak with the driver of a sandy-coloured 4×4 car. This motorist is an important witness as it’s reported the 4 x 4 car stopped in West Lane in Lymington to allow the Peugeot 207 to drive past while the robber was at the wheel. The woman aged in her 60s has told police she waved at the 4×4 driver, who waved back, but did not appear to realise the reality of the situation inside the Peugeot.”
Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious near Rookes Lane in Lymington at around that time to contact police.
Description
The suspect was described as:
White
35 – 55 years old
5 ft 10 ins tall
Average build
Dark hair
He was wearing a dark blue or black beanie hat, which was folded up.
He had a pair of swimming goggles over his eyes – they had a blue rim and strap.
He had a scarf over his nose and mouth. This had a tartan design.
He was wearing a fluorescent jacket.
He had dark trousers and black casual shoes, which might have been trainers.
He had white gloves, which had dirty fingers.
Victims display immense courage after attack
Chief Inspector Tony Rowlinson added: “This was a shocking crime committed against a couple who were subjected to an unprovoked terrifying attack in their own home and car. I would like to praise their immense courage in dealing with the robber who was violent towards them. Police are grateful for the level of co-operation and detail they have been able to provide to officers so soon after this crime. Although the couple have shown great resolve and determination in the immediate aftermath of the robbery, it is clear this was one of the most frightening experiences of their lives. Officers are in contact with the victims to keep them informed about the investigation, and offer support for their welfare.”
Contact details for Operation Prenton
The suspect, further witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact CID at Southampton Central Police Station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Prenton. Mini-com users can phone 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Image: birdwatcher63 under CC BY 2.0
