Abbotsford police warn about string of street robberies

Abbotsford police are warning about a string of street robberies that have taken place since the beginning of this year.

They say there have been 17 street robberies, where victims were confronted in public places, between Jan. 1 and May 15.

The victims, who were mostly male and under the age of 30, were robbed of their cell phones, cash and jewelry.

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Over one third of these robberies have taken place on Saturdays and virtually all have occurred after 4 p.m.

These robberies have taken place in various locations throughout the city, but tend to have occurred in less populated and less well-lit areas.

The suspects differed in descriptions, but used a variety of weapons, from knives to cutting shears. The majority of the crimes have involved at least two, but as many as eight, assailants.

On five occasions, the suspects wore masks or balaclavas to cover their faces.

Investigators say some of these incidents are not random, but they are warning residents to be cautious, walk in pairs or groups and stay near busier, well-lit locations.

Anyone with information about these robberies should contact the APD at 604-859- 5225, text them at 222973 (abbypd) or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.