Bluetooth appeal for witnesses (From Times Series)

Bluetooth appeal for witnesses

9:13am Monday 14th January 2008 in News By Rebecca Lowe

Barnet police are using a landmark bluetooth messaging system to broadcast an appeal for witnesses and information.

A 76-year-old man was robbed in Edgwarebury Lane, Edgware, near to the junction with Station Road on January 4.

He was attacked from behind by two men in Edgwarebury Lane, near the junction with Station Road, at around 9pm. The offenders grabbed his black bag containing personal items and threw him onto the ground, metres from Edgware Tube station.

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for a broken hip, which he sustained in the attack.

Police sent out the bluetooth appeal last Friday, a week after the attack, asking for two "good Samaritans" who assisted the injured man to come forward as they may have seen the attackers. They are also asking for any other witnesses to contact DC Brad Crossley on 0208 733 4504.

Barnet police launched the pilot electronic messaging system, which broadcasts crime prevention advice and useful information about local crimes to the public, last month.

The messages, in the form of videos or texts, can be received by anyone with a bluetooth-enabled device, such as a mobile phone, PDA or computer, who is within a half-mile radius of where the message is sent.

It is the first time such technology has been used by police in London.

Borough commander Stephen Kavanagh said: "There is a feeling that the police here have become too distant from communities, so this is one way we are trying to remedy that."

Barnet chief Inspector Lucy D'Orsi added: "This is another example of Barnet police embracing modern technology to serve the local community, providing important information to those who require it, when they require it.

"The mobile capability of this equipment means that it has numerous uses across Barnet, from providing crime prevention advice in a busy high street to providing up to date information at a serious incident."

When contacting police regarding this investigation please quote ref 2400274/08.