Police appeal after man threatens woman's dogs and demands her purse

Police are appealing for information following an attempted robbery in Whitby.

At around 6.55am on Saturday 29 January 2022 a woman was walking her two Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs over the new bridge on the A171 into Whitby, in the direction of Whitby sixth form college when she was approached by a man dressed in dark clothing. The man demanded she hand over her handbag and purse and made threats to harm her dogs.

The woman explained that she was not carrying any cash and the man left. Thankfully the woman and her dogs were unharmed, but the incident left her very shaken.

Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident, who may have witnessed anything suspicious to contact them.

They would particularly like to hear from any motorists or cyclists who passed over the bridge around that time who may have captured camera footage of either the incident, the woman walking her two distinctive dogs, one which was wearing a ‘caution’ vest or a suspicious male in the area of the sixth form college or the Helredale Road side of the bridge.

Anyone who has information which could assist the investigation is asked to dial 101, select option 1 and speak to the Force Control Room. Please quote reference 12220016287.

Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man in his thirties has been arrested in connection with the incident and currently remains on police bail.