The victim of a robbery by three balaclava-clad men in Harpenden has spoken of her frightening ordeal, saying she is now afraid to be alone in her home.
Nearly one month after the woman was dragged into her home by the robbers, police are still seeking witnesses and information.
Herts Police have released CCTV images of the attack on the woman, aged in her 20s, and the men they are seeking in connection with the robbery.
Today (Friday) the force released further CCTV footage showing the victim’s ordeal.
Two men grabbed the young woman who was outside her home in The Common having a cigarette at about 10pm on Saturday, May 14.
After dragging their victim inside they were then joined by a third man.
The robbers took a heavy safe from inside the house and loaded it into the victim’s car, a brown Honda 4X4 with the registration number plate 8PXB.
The offenders - described as white - were wearing balaclavas and gloves and were armed with a hockey stick.
They made off in the 4X4, driving across bushes within the property, on to The Common and then towards Annables Lane.
In a statement released today (Thursday) by the force, the victim said that while she was not physically harmed during the robbery, it had left her very upset and shaken.
She said: “The whole experience was very frightening. I am afraid to be alone in the house. I would ask if anyone knows anything they contact the police with any information.”
Detective Inspector Pete Frost, investigating, said: “I am appealing for anyone who may have seen the stolen 4X4 later that night or since the robbery. The vehicle has branding on it so it may look like a hire car to members of the public.
“The wording ‘Brayley Honda St Albans’ is printed on the driver and front passenger doors and the website address ‘www.brayley-honda.co.uk’ is displayed on the back of the vehicle.
He added: “The safe had nothing of value inside it so may have since been dumped. I am keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the safe, perhaps dumped by the side of the road, or who may have been offered it for sale.”
DI Frost added: “I’d like to take this opportunity to reassure the community that crimes of this type are very unusual in Harpenden and Hertfordshire. We are working very hard to find these offenders and bring them to justice.”
Anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is asked to contact DI Frost via the force’s non-emergency number 101.
Also, the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
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