Six arrested as part of week to tackle personal robbery

Police in Cambridgeshire have arrested six people as part of a national operation to tackle personal robbery.

Operation Calibre ran across England, Wales and Scotland throughout November in a bid to reduce incidents of personal robbery and provide essential crime prevention advice to safeguard the community.

Throughout the week (20 November – 27 November), officers arrested six people in connection with robberies in the county and voluntarily interviewed a further three people.

Teams carried out six days of patrols across hotpot areas including green spaces and city centres in Cambridge and Peterborough acting as a visible deterrent while proactively challenging suspicious activities Habitual offenders were also contacted in person and by letter during the week.

Meanwhile, the force’s Acquisitive Crime Teams employed strategic measures such as gathering CCTV evidence, launching appeals, and conducting arrest attempts to combat robbers and burglars effectively.

The innovative use of SelectaDNA spray was launched in Cambridge City, leaving DNA signature on targeted vehicles and individuals, which lead to the arrest of a 16-year-old boy in connection with theft of a motor vehicle and attempted theft of a motor vehicle.

The force amplified its crime prevention outreach on social media, distributing tips to safeguard against personal robbery. Tips included strategic route planning in unfamiliar areas, keeping valuables concealed in public, and safeguarding phones in case of theft.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Taylor, the force’s Operation Calibre lead, said: “While our region experiences low rates of personal robbery, each incident remains a concern due to its impact on individuals and communities. Our intensified efforts in known hotspot areas demonstrate our commitment to tackle personal robbery head-on by increasing visibility and apprehending offenders."

In the unfortunate circumstances you are a victim of robbery, report it to the police or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

 

Information about preventing personal robbery can be found on the force’s dedicated personal safety webpage.

Further information about national week of action to tackle personal robbery can be found on the news section of the NPCC’s website.