Five charged with robbery on the Leisure Park

Five teenage boys have been arrested and charged in connection with a robbery on the Leisure Park in Stevenage, on Saturday afternoon (20 January). 

At around 4pm the suspects entered the leisure park from the train station and approached three 15 year old boys.

They then allegedly threatened the boys with an imitation firearm and backed one up against a car before stealing his coat, which contained a bank card, before heading back to the train station.

Officers from British Transport Police were quickly alerted and the five suspects were arrested on a train at Peterborough.

They were then brought back to custody at Stevenage Police Station.

Local detectives carried out a swift and intensive investigation to secure charges and the five teenagers appeared at Hatfield Remand Court this morning (Monday, January 22).

All were charged with two counts of robbery, attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm and having an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence.

They have been released on police bail with strict conditions and are to reappear at Stevenage Magistrates Court on 1 February. They are all from London and are aged 15 or 16. 

Detectives are keen to speak to any witnesses who were in the area at the time of the incident. Investigating officer Detective Constable Chris Jones said: "We are particularly keen to speak to a woman in a white Mini who we think was nearby when the robbery occurred. 

"The suspects are black males, who were reported to be wearing black clothing and balaclavas at the time of the incident. The Leisure Park was busy at this time, so we think there could be several people who saw the robbery and who we have not yet spoken to. If this was you, please contact us as soon as possible."

 You can contact DC Jones directly by email: [email protected] or you can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, speak to an operator in the Force Communications Room via their online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/5503/24.