Police call for hedges to be cut back after second mugging on Sheffield estate

They are working with councillors in Waterthorpe to try to get the work carried out on crime prevention grounds.

A woman, aged 81, was mugged as she walked along a woodland path from Crystal Peaks Shopping Centre to the Beckton estate, Waterthorpe, last Friday afternoon.

Her handbag was stolen in the incident, leading officers to increase their patrols in the area.

In April a 71-year-old woman has her handbag snatched in the same area, as she walked between Crystal Peaks and Beckton Avenue.

Her bag contained £70 and a mobile phone.

At the time, the victim's son branded the mugger the 'lowest of the low' and 'lowlife scum'.

Inspector Jason Booth, of the Sheffield South East Local Policing Team, said: "We are increasing patrols - both plain clothes and uniform - and working with local councillors to try and get some pruning and cutting back of the bushes in that area."

Members of the public are urged to be on their guard and to report any suspicious activity to South Yorkshire Police.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the incidents should call South Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.