Urgent appeal after man hit in head with weapon in Balham Rolex robbery Post Reply

[Community Editor]

Detectives are appealing for information following a violent robbery in Balham.

At 11pm on Thursday, February 24, a man was walking along Hydethorpe Road when a male approached him from behind.

The suspect hit him on the head with a weapon several times before forcibly removing a Rolex from his wrist.

The victim spent several days in hospital after suffering with a fractured skull and cuts to his head and face.

The suspect was wearing all dark clothing with a face covering and is believed to have been riding a pedal bike with a flashing light on the front.

He is described as having a south London accent.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

Detective Inspector Vicky Allen, from the Central South Robbery Team, said: “This was a terrifying and violent attack, and it is only through luck that the victim did not sustain more serious injuries.

“We are doing everything we can to identify this individual and take him off our streets. We would urge anyone who has any information to come forward as soon as possible by calling 101 with CAD 7919/24FEB."

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “At around 23:00hrs on Thursday, 24 February, a man was walking along Hydethorpe Road, SW12 when a male approached from behind.

“The suspect struck him on the head with a weapon several times before forcibly removing a Rolex from his wrist.

“The victim spent several days in hospital having suffered a fractured skull and lacerations to his head and face.

“The suspect was wearing all dark clothing with a face covering, and is believed to have been riding a pedal cycle with a flashing light on the front. He is described as having a south London accent.”

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Story from: https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/ne ... h-robbery/

[Mikeydon]

Why would you be walking alone at that time of night wearing a Rolex watch, the reality is if you wear such expensive watches you will be targeted as this thing happens all the time so if you have Rolex watch leave it at home and let it increase in value but if you wear it you will probably be relieved of it…. You may think you have the right to wear it but the robbers don’t think so….. it’s as simple as that and your choice…..

[TryingMyBest]

That is a ridiculous victim blaming comment. The issue is not with the man wearing his own items but with the man who attacked him. Everyone should be able to wear what the hell they like without someone attacking them. Violence is the problem. Not someone wearing a Rolex. You are likely the kind of person who would blame a woman for what they are wearing for being sexually assaulted. Have a word with yourself.

[muddyboots]

Every time there is a horrid robbery someone pipes up with comments and judgement about carrying a Rolex or whatever item was stolen.

Blaming the victim, really nice .

Shall we also tell all local women to stop wearing their engagement rings?? Flashing a diamond, surely they are asking for it ??
Or what ??!!!

The reality is, policing is failing us and criminals literally do what they like with slim risk of being caught.
They can just take what they want! Come up to our local roads and pick any Range Rover or fancy watch.

As for replica comment, be careful as not long ago a man was killed for a replica watch. Killed for it!!
Looked like a Panerai.
Bouncer tiped off the robber when the victim was in a bar..next thing he was dead on the ground for his fake …

[muddyboots]

And, this is why stop and search is vital.
However, this is now limited as “offensive” to people who feel profiled.
So when you see a masked guy in black jacket and hood up on a bike late at night slowly passing cars in the dark you are not allowed to assume they are up to no good
… you have to assume they are doing their daily exercise at 11 pm….