Westminster police are investigating a spate of 'distressing' jewelry robberies, specifically targeting lone women.
There are currently five similar incidents being investigated in the borough of Westminster, which have taken place over a five-month period between October 2015 and February 2016.
On each occasion the victims were lone women who had items of jewellery stolen.
At this stage detectives investigating the cases have found no evidence to suggest that these five incidents are linked, but enquiries are ongoing.
The first of the five is a 40-year-old woman, robbed of her jewellery as she made her way home at 6:10pm on October 22, 2015, at Randolph Crescent.
She was approached from behind by two suspects who pushed her to the ground and stole her rings.
Five days later, a 36-year-old woman was robbed of her jewellery as she entered a block of flats at Prince Albert Road, at 7pm, on October 27, 2015.
She was approached by two male suspects who pushed her to the ground and stole her watch and rings.
At 6:15pm, on Tuesday, January 12, at Northwick Terrace, a 27-year-old woman was robbed as she entered an address.
A male suspect approached her from behind and stole her ring after a struggle.
A fourth incident saw a 41-year-old woman robbed of her jewellery as she left an address on Blomfield Road, on Monday, January 25 at 3pm.
Her ring was stolen after being approached by two male suspects.
Lastly, a 44-year-old woman was robbed of her jewellery as she walked along Acacia Road on Tuesday, February 2, at 12:20pm.
A male suspect approached her from behind and stole her rings before getting away on a moped.
'Great deal of distress'
All five victims suffered minor injuries and did not need hospital treatment.
Westminster police are fully investigating each of the incidents alongside specialist analysts who routinely review all crimes on the borough to spot any emerging crime trends and potentially linked offences.
Detective Superintendent Jess Ruddell, from Westminster police, said: "These offences have naturally caused a great deal of distress for the victims, especially as jewellery of a sentimental value was taken.
“We are following up every investigative lead to catch the people responsible.
"I would stress that at this stage there are no firm investigative links between these incidents, but that in no way undermines our determination to solve them.
"I would like to ask for the public's help - if you have seen or heard anything that may help us solve any of these robberies then please get in contact.
"Also if you have been offered jewellery for sale in suspicious circumstances please let us know."
There have been no arrests at this stage.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Personal safety advice:
- Prepare and consider your travel arrangements carefully and ensure someone knows where you are going, who you are with and when you might be home.
- Look as assertive as you can, walk with confidence and be aware of your surroundings and who is around you.
- Avoid short cuts and dark isolated areas, vary your routine and be discreet handling cash, phones and wearing jewellery in a public place.
- Never take your safety for granted and look after your friends so that they don't become vulnerable. Remember your personal safety is more important than your phone or other valuables.
- Keep your bags close to you and secured with zips closed. Check your belongings and your pockets regularly.
- Wearing headphones and talking on the phone can make you unaware of your immediate surroundings - this makes you appear vulnerable and gives an advantage to a criminal.
- If you feel uneasy about an individual or situation, trust your instincts and leave the area and head towards a public place such as a shop
Further advice can be found through the Metropolitan Police website and Suzy Lamplugh Trust .
