DETECTIVES are appealing for witnesses and warning people to be vigilant after five robberies were reported in and around Wisbech last month.

All offences have happened when the victim is alone, between 10pm and midnight and close to the town centre and town park.

Officers have increased patrols in the area both on foot and in vehicles, but are urging people to be vigilant and take personal security precautions.

The latest robberies occurred on July 25, 27 and 28 between 10pm and midnight in Townsend Road, Dehavilland Road and Elm Road.

The victims, aged between 27 and 31, were approached by a group of men, punched and kicked and had their mobile phone and wallet stolen. The victims suffered minor injuries.

Those robberies followed similar incidents in Church Gardens on July 1 and Lynn Road on July 9.

The offenders are described as white, six foot, stocky and were wearing dark clothing. They have been described as having foreign accents.

Detective Sergeant Matt Swash, investigating, said: “I would urge people to stick to well-lit areas and not to have any valuables on show.

“I would like to hear from anyone who has any information as to who is responsible.

“At this stage we cannot say all the incidents are definitely linked but they have similarities and happened in locations which are fairly close so we remain open minded.”

Anyone with information should contact DS Swash on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.