Silent Crime round-up: Woman sexually assaults another woman on train; girl harassed in the street; restaurant subjected to 'horrific attack' over bill payment

‘Silent Crime’ is aiming to shine a light on under-reported and unresolved crimes blighting the community. We want to hear from you about your experience with crime in your local area - tell us your story here.

Here are some of the crime stories that took place this week.

In Harrogate, a man and a woman are being sought by the police following a theft at Sainsbury’s on Cold Bath Road. The pair were caught on CCTV leaving without making payment after selecting a quantity of alcohol in an incident that took place on Wednesday, September 25 at 4.25pm. 

North Yorkshire Police said: “Please contact us if you recognise the two people pictured in the CCTV image, as they may have information that will assist our investigation.” If you can help, you should email [email protected].

In London, a woman was sexually assaulted by another woman on board a train from Northampton to London Euston. British Transport Police said the suspect left the train at London Euston following the incident, which took place between 10.38am and 11.48am on Tuesday, August 20. 

Police have since released CCTV images of the woman, which they believe may have information which could help with their investigation. 

In Blackpool, a cyclist had his fishing equipment stolen after he was hit by a car from behind near Norbreck Castle. Police were called to reports of a collision on the Promenade when a black estate-type vehicle hit him between 6.20am and 6.30am, resulting in him needing medical treatment at the hospital. 

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “An investigation is underway and enquiries are ongoing to trace the car and its occupants.” Officers urged eyewitnesses and anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in the area between 6am and 7am to come forward. Call 101 quoting log number 0159 of October 14 if you have information that may help the police. 

In Northamptonshire, a teenage girl was harassed in the street by a man “with a pot belly” in the morning of Tuesday, October 8 in Gainsborough Road. The man, who was seen driving a silver five-door hatchback car, is described as a man of Indian origin, aged 40-50.

The police also described him as having a medium build with a pot belly, clean shaven, with short dark brown hair that was greying and slightly curly on top and wearing a blue zip jumper with a black zip. Anyone with information can call the police on 101 quoting incident number 42000602202.

In High Wycombe, a woman was jailed after going around properties in Aylesbury requesting money from vulnerable and elderly residents. Giuseppina Rossetti, 43, who had breached a previously obtained restraining order against the local residents, was sentenced to four weeks in prison.

At a previous hearing, she had pleaded guilty to a further count of breaching a restraining order and three counts of criminal damage costing under £5,000 but this was ignored. Thames Valley Police found out she had asked multiple people for money in the streets and their home addresses across Aylesbury in September. 

In Peterborough, a man was arrested after a branch of Nationwide bank on Long Causeway had its windows smashed in the early hours of Sunday morning (October 13). Darren Wyer, 43, appeared at Peterborough Magistrate’s Court on Monday (October 14) and was charged with criminal damage, said Cambrideshire Police. 

In Sussex, a restaurant owner said he now considers requesting card details from guests before they dine after he and his staff were subjected to an ‘horrific physical attack’ during a dispute over payment of a bill. 

Aldo Esposito, the owner of La Bella Vista in Grand Parade in St Leonards said the October 12 incident resulted in him suffering facial injuries and members of staff were left with cuts and bruises. It all started when people refused to pay the bill and staff insisted they did so. The altercation also caused damage to the property. 

Police said: “On Saturday (October 12), at around 5.40pm, officers responded to a report of a woman and man fighting with staff and damaging property inside a restaurant in Grand Parade, St Leonards.“A further report was made to police that a weapon had also been used to threaten staff following a dispute over payment of their bill.

“Officers arrested a 39-year-old woman from Crawley nearby in Saxon Street on suspicion of criminal damage, common assault and assault. She was taken to custody, and has since been bailed with strict conditions pending further enquiries.

“We are continuing to work to identify a further suspect, and ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who has footage to assist the investigation to make a report to police. You can do this online, or by calling 101 quoting reference 917 of 12/10.”

In Worthing, police increased their presence in the town centre after an ‘outbreak and violent disorder’ involving a group of youths outside a shopping centre on Monday (October 14), which resulted in an arrest.

A spokesperson said: “We have put a Section 60 Dispersal Order in place for Worthing town centre tonight following an outbreak of violence and disorder outside the Guildbourne Shopping Centre. 

“The order means officers are able to stop and search any pedestrians or vehicles, drivers and passengers in the area who may be believed to be in possession of offensive weapons. 

“We were called to a report of a fight earlier this evening among a group of youths. Two were assaulted and we have made an arrest.”