Chelmsford: Swift action sees teenager arrested within hour of robbery

Officers investigating a reported knifepoint robbery in Springfield made an arrest within an hour of the call thanks to fast-paced investigative work.

We received a call shortly after 10.15pm on Monday 27 November reporting a robbery in Chancellor Park.

The victim reported he had arranged to meet someone in the park to sell an item of clothing.

He told how he was instead assaulted and threatened with a knife, before the attacker attempted to steal a coat.

Officers quickly attended and located a knife at the scene, before carrying out enquiries and offering support to the victim.

As a result of those speedy enquiries, a suspect was identified and an arrest made by 11.15pm.

An 18-year-old man, from Chelmsford, remains in custody and is being questioned on suspicion of robbery.

Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston, of North LPA CID, said:

“While incidents of this nature thankfully remain rare in Chelmsford, when they are reported to us we treat them extremely seriously.
“Reports of robberies, particularly those which involve the use of a weapon, require a rapid response to ensure the safety of the victim and to secure vital evidence.
“That is exactly what we have seen following this alarming incident, and I would continue to urge anyone with concerns to get in touch with us.
“Our links with the community in Chelmsford are absolutely a key part of our ongoing work to keep you safe.
“We would urge people engaged in the online selling and trade in items like clothing to take caution about who they are selling to and where such transactions take place.
“There are steps you can take to ensure the person you are interacting with is a genuine buyer.”

For advice on how to stay safe and protect your home, yourself, your business and your vehicles from crime, please visit our crime prevention pages.

You can also find out more general information about crime, the law and staying safe on our advice and information pages.