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Police are hunting for two women who mugged a third on George Street last month as they report an increase in personal robberies even before the beginning of what’s typically a summer spike.

The victim was near the Dalhousie Street intersection in the middle of the afternoon of May 20 when she was approached by two women who began harassing and following her. One grabbed her purse, which spilled its contents onto the ground. The suspects grabbed the victim’s phone and fled.

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There have been 61 personal robberies with one suspect so far this year, up 52 per cent from last year, according to Staff-Sgt. Michael Haarbosch of the robbery and break-and-enter units.

There have also been 79 swarmings – defined as personal robberies with more than one suspect – so far this year, up 39 per cent from last year.

Also on the increase are the number of personal robberies involving knives or the threat of one.

Haarbosch says there’s no easy explanation for the trend, such as the release of a new iPhone. The robberies are happening across the city, with parks and the Transitway typical locations and cash, jewelry and electronics the targets.