Police have increased patrols in Hampstead Garden Suburb and have launched an appeal after a spate of robberies.

Barnet detectives are asking for witnesses to come forward after three linked robberies occurred in just two weeks.

In all three robberies the victims have been attacked from behind and had their jewellery stolen.

The first robbery involved a couple who were attacked as they entered their own home on Bigwood Road at 11.05pm on May 31.

The wife, in her 60s, was pushed to the floor and had her wedding ring “wrenched” off her finger.

The couple said: “We have been married for 43 years and this ring has a lot of sentimental value. It means more to us than it could to anyone else and we are desperate for it to be returned.”

On Friday June 10 at 6.20pm, ten days after the first incident, a woman had her ring stolen after being attacked walking along Southway.

The third incident occurred on Monday, June 13, when, at 4.20pm, a woman was attacked and had her earrings stolen.

In all three robberies, the suspects are described as two black men aged between 20 and 30 years old and approximately 5ft 10ins tall.

During the first incident, both suspects were wearing hooded tops.

Superintendent Paula Light from Barnet police said: “We have increased police patrols in the area and local ward officers are available to offer crime prevention advice. Although these incidents are thankfully rare, I would urge people to be vigilant and report any suspicious persons immediately to police, we’re asking the community to be alert but not afraid.

“We will continue to work with the local authority and our partners to tackle street crime. I would ask anyone who witnessed these robberies, or who have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the Golders Green area to contact police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”