A gang of boys armed with knives have been targeting teenagers in Thames Ditton returning home late at night and demanding they hand over their personal belongings.
Surrey Police have increased surveillance of the area as a result of the worrying activity being brought to their attention at a meeting between themselves and residents earlier this month.
The most recent incident took place on the night of Friday, February 5, when a small group of teenagers returning to Thames Ditton by train were pursued from the station along Weston Green Road by the group of boys.
One of the teenagers was then thrown to the ground and had a knife held to the back of his head . The gang demanded he hand over a number of electronic items he had on his possession.
Although the incident was not reported, police are now patrolling in the area the gang was targeting its victims - believed to be between Ash Path, Basingfield Road and the station and Weston Green Road and Longmead - and have issued a warning to residents in the area.
The police said the gang consisted of boys aged between 14 and 16 and are active from 11pm onwards, mainly at the weekend. They have demanded their victims hand over items such as wallets, mobile phones and iPods.
Neighbourhood specialist officer for the area, PC Andy Grapsas, said: “We have not had any gang related problems in his area for some time now. “However, in response to the feedback that was given at the last panel meeting, I have circulated the information to residents within the community and will be increasing the visible patrols in the area particularly in the hours of darkness.”
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