Man charged with robbery series

A man has been charged in connection with a series of robberies that are alleged to have occurred across Dacorum and St Albans.

Dorriano Dos Santos Ferreira Farias, aged 37, of no fixed address, has been charged with:

• Four counts of robbery
• Two counts of attempted robbery
• Three counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place
• Dangerous driving
• Driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence
• Driving with no insurance

He appeared before Hatfield Remand Court today (Thursday 6 March), where he was remanded into custody ahead of his next court hearing on Thursday 3 April.

An arrest was made following an investigation by the Dacorum Local Crime Unit into several robberies and attempted robberies which are reported to have occurred between Friday 14 February and Saturday 1 March:

• A robbery in Chipperfield on Saturday 1 March, where a wallet was stolen from an elderly man on a driveway.
• A robbery in Belmont Road, Hemel Hempstead, on Friday 28 February, when a purse was stolen from a woman’s handbag after she had used a cash machine in Apsley.
• An attempted robbery in Kings Langley on Thursday 27 February when a woman’s coat was grabbed.
• A robbery in Bovingdon on Monday 24 February when cards and cash were stolen from an elderly man after he had used a cash machine.
• An attempted robbery in St Albans Road, Hemel Hempstead on Thursday 20 February when money was demanded in an underpass.
• A robbery in Civic Close, St Albans, on Friday 14 February when a handbag was stolen from a woman who had just used a cash machine.

Detective Inspector John Prendergast said: “We understand that these incidents have caused shock and concern among the local community. An extensive investigation was carried out, enabling us to make an arrest and secure charges. The case is now progressing through the courts.”