ABBOTSFORD has had 17 street robberies since January 1 where victims were confronted in public places and cell phones, cash and jewelry were taken. Over a third of these robberies have taken place on Saturdays and virtually all have occurred after 4 p.m., says Constable Ian MacDonald.

These robberies have taken place in various locations throughout the city and suspect descriptions have differed. Suspects have produced a variety of weapons from knives to cutting shears.

The majority of the crimes have involved at least two suspects though there have been as many as eight in some cases.  On five occasions the suspects wore masks or balaclavas.  All but two of the victims have been male. Fifteen of the victims were under the age of 30.  They have suffered a range of injuries, some requiring hospitalization.

Although Abbotsford Police investigators feel that some of these incidents are not random, they still want citizens to be aware and to elevate their personal safety practices.  These street robberies occur with both the suspects and victims arriving in the same area on foot.  They tend to occur in less populated and less well-lit areas.  By walking in pairs or groups and staying near busier locations with good lighting, your safety is greatly improved, says MacDonald.

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.