Kids steal watch in daylight attack

THREE young schoolboys forced a woman to the ground and ripped a £3000 watch from her wrist in a lunchtime attack.

The gang of youngsters, aged 12 or 13, targeted the victim as she walked out of a Polwarth grocery store.

They made off with a luxury Cartier Tank Fracaise wristwatch, right, worth around £3000.

The 43-year-old had just left the Margiotta store in Ashley Terrace at 12.30pm when the trio approached her and knocked her to the ground.

Detective Constable Richard Emerson today said it was an unusual crime.

He said: “These are young boys so I shouldn’t imagine she was targeted for the watch, but we are asking witnesses to come forward. We always see kids around causing a bit of bother, but it is not often that young lads are so brazen. This is quite a unique incident.”

He added that police were not aware of any particular motive for the attack last Thursday and believed it was unprovoked.

DC Emerson said: “Thankfully the woman suffered no injuries, but she was traumatised by the whole experience. At this point in time we are regarding it as an isolated incident. We are keen to put across that it is an expensive watch and the three young boys involved may have been talking about the watch and boasting about it. If you see a young boy wearing an expensive watch, it might be worth highlighting this.”

The first suspect is described as white, between 12 and 13-years-old, 5ft 4ins, of medium build, with shoulder-length brown hair and wearing dark trousers.

The second suspect is described as white, 12 to 13-years-old, between 5ft 4ins and 5ft 6ins, stocky, with fair hair and wearing dark trousers.

The third suspect is described as white, 12 to 13-years-old, 5ft 4ins, slim, and wearing dark trousers.

A police spokesman said: “The victim was not injured during this incident, but was incredibly upset at the theft of her extremely valuable watch.

“Anyone who was in or around Ashley Terrace at the time of this robbery and saw anything suspicious is asked to contact police immediately.”

Local councillor Andrew Burns also urged anybody with any information regarding the “upsetting” incident to come forward immediately.

Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131-311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.

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