A man has been charged and taken to court after a number of people reported having their phones stolen by someone who threatened them with a smashed or broken bottle.
Sussex Police said: “A man has been charged following a series of linked robberies in Crawley.
“Police were called to four reports of a man threatening people with a smashed bottle and demanding they hand over phones and jewellery in the Northgate Road area.
“A 30-year-old man, a 42-year-old man and a 53-year-old man were all believed to have been threatened by the same man and had their phones stolen on Sunday 14 April, Monday 15 April and Tuesday 28 May respectively.
“Officers were called again on Sunday (2 June) to a report of a man who attempted to steal a phone, this time from a 20-year-old man, but the victim managed to escape without handing over any property.
“On Monday (3 June), Erasmus Darkwah, 28, of Northgate Road, Crawley, was arrested and later charged with three counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery.
“Darkwah appeared at Crawley Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday 5 June) and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday 2 July for a plea hearing.”
Detective Chief Inspector Colin Garman, of Crawley CID, said: “This was a concerning string of incidents for the victims involved and I am delighted by our teams who have worked together and secured charges.
“We encourage the public to report any robbery or attempted robbery incidents to Sussex Police and we will investigate them.”
Sussex Police urged any witnesses, anyone with any information or footage and anyone who had seen any suspicious behaviour in the area to call 101 or the contact the force online, quoting Operation Caspian.
Police added: “Always call 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”
