Concerned Harold parents giving their youngsters mobile phones in a bid to ensure their safety could actually be exposing them to attack from callous thieves. The explosion in the number of teenagers carrying the expensive devices is providing rich pickings for thugs intent on preying on the vulnerable to make a quick profit.

In the latest 'shocking' incident at 6.30pm last Friday, a posse of eight knife-wielding thugs boarded a bus at Harold Wood Station, Gubbins Lane and robbed a trio of 15-year-old Harold Hill schoolchildren of their phones.

But while the attacks are likely to alarm parents - many of whom buy the phones for their youngsters as a safety precaution - Harold Wood ward Cllr Brian Eagling insists that youngsters should not be discouraged from carrying the phones with them so their parents know where they are.

He said: "I am shocked that this has happened in Harold Wood which I generally regard as a safe place. But youngsters must be more streetwise.

"I would persuade them to switch off their phone so it is useless to robbers - who don't know the password - and to always look and listen for danger, although this incident was obviously difficult to anticipate."

Fellow Harold Wood ward Cllr Caroline Wood agreed and added: "For the time of day, the attack sounds horrendous and raises questions as to whether bus conductors should be employed to monitor unsavoury characters on buses.

"Drivers could also be given better communication devices.

"And as for the telephones and anything else valuable, they should not be flashed around."

During Friday's incident, the gang surrounded the teenagers, a girl and two boys, who were all travelling together.

Several of the gang pulled out what appeared to be flick knives and threatened the boys into handing over the property, including £8 cash, although nothing was taken from the girl.

One suspect carried what was described as a hammer of the type used to break the glass screening emergency levers used on trains.

The suspects then disembarked and got on a bus bound towards Romford. Six were black and two were white; the hammer wielder was described as a white male, aged about 16, 5ft 10in, who had cropped hair and was wearing a red bomber jacket.

Another suspect was described as a black male, 5ft 9in and was wearing a blue jacket featuring the logo 'Shott' with the hood up.

Sgt Mick Walford said: "It is believed that some of the suspects had knives and this would have caused a great deal of distress to their young victims.

"Anyone else in a similar situation would be advised to stay calm and not to 'play the hero'."

Police are asking any witnesses to call 01708 779686.

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