Hamilton Police continue to investigate two overnight street robberies where high-end jackets were the target. Hamilton has seen a rash in street robberies involving high-end jackets over the past several months. Arrests have been made and police are asking the public to be aware of their surroundings at all times and to report incidents immediately.

On the evening of Monday, January 6, 2019, Hamilton Police received reports of two robberies.

Shortly after 7: 00 p.m., an individual was walking in the area of James Street North and Rebecca Street when he was approached by a group of young males. The victim was assaulted and his Moose Knuckle coat along with other personal property was taken as the suspects fled on foot.

The victim did not require medical attention.

The suspects are described as male youths with darker complexions.

Shortly before midnight, a second victim met up with two suspects in the area of Pier 8. An arrangement was made in advance through a social media app to sell a Moncler bomber jacket. Once in the company of the suspects, the jacket was handed over to try on. The victim was then threatened and the suspects fled with the jacket.

The victim did not require medical attention.

The suspects are described as male youths, one being Caucasian and the other black with a light complexion.

Hamilton Police have made arrests in relation to a high-end jacket street robbery that occurred in late December. Two males appeared in court today.

On Monday, December 23, 2019, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the victim and friend were in the area of King Street and James Street when they were approached by three males, one male was in possession of a weapon. The victim was assaulted by the males and his jacket was taken from him. The suspects fled on foot.

Through investigation, police identified and arrested two males in relation to the robbery. They appeared in court earlier today to answer to several criminal charges. The third male remains outstanding and police continue to investigate the incident.

CHARGED

Mohammed Shokri, 18-years-of-age

CHARGES

Robbery

Fail to comply recognizance

Fail to comply youth sentence X2

Possession weapon contrary to order X2

CHARGED

Shoib Abdulla, 18-years-of-age

CHARGES

Robbery

Fail to comply recognizance X2

Fail to comply youth sentence X2

Possession weapon contrary to order

Hamilton Police are reminding the public to take measures to avoid being a victim of a street robbery:

Do not walk alone, especially after dark

Follow the safest route possible. Avoid shortcuts and deserted areas. Try to keep to well lit, busy streets

Walk with a purpose and be aware of your surroundings

Hamilton Police also urge anyone who has a high-end jacket to take steps to personalize their coat with identifying information. This could include sewing in a coloured label or placing an identifiable mark somewhere inside the jacket and if possible, take a photo for reference. This will assist police in returning recovered stolen items to their owners.

If you have any information that you believe could assist police with the investigation into these crimes, you are asked to contact the Central Criminal Investigation Division at 905-546-3833 or email doleniuk@hamiltonpolice.on.ca.

To provide information anonymously call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online at http://www.crimestoppershamilton.com