Women Christie staff targeted in mugging spree
THREE female staff at The Christie have been attacked and mugged in separate incidents as they walked alone near the hospital grounds.
One of the victims was dragged down an alleyway in Withington by a man who then snatched her handbag and stole her car.
Each of those attacked is believed to have been on their way to or from work when they were targeted, but it is not yet known if the three robberies are linked.
During the latest incident, on Wednesday morning, a woman in her 40s was dragged down a ginnel between Parkville Road and Wilmslow Road by a man who snatched her handbag before stealing her red Mercedes-Benz.
She suffered bruising and was left shaken by what happened.
In an internal memo to employees, hospital chiefs warned staff to be on their guard, particularly lone, female workers.
It read: “A member of staff this morning (Wednesday) was mugged in the alleyway linking Parkville Road to Wilmslow Road. The staff member had her bag taken and car stolen after being struck and dragged along the alley.
“This is the third incident in the last few weeks that we are aware of. These incidents seem to be targeting lone females in the Cotton Lane and Parkville Road area.
“Advice if you are walking: Please try to travel with a colleague or friends.
“Try to walk on the footpath towards oncoming traffic. Keep to well lit, busy routes and avoid taking shortcuts.
“Do not fight back, give up your bag, keys etc – they can all be replaced, your safety is paramount.”
Two earlier attacks took place on the morning of Wednesday, July 12, and at some time on Wednesday, August 16, police confirmed. No more details of those incidents have yet been released.
The Christie said numerous measures are in place to protect staff, and that police would be upping patrols in the area.
A spokesman added: “It is absolutely unacceptable that some of our staff have encountered theft and violent behaviour towards them on their daily commute. We take staff health and safety very seriously and we encourage the reporting of all incidents to the police.”
Police said they were called on Wednesday to reports of a woman attacked near Parkville Road at around 7.20am that morning.
They added: “We are also looking into reports of similar incidents in the area to see if they are connected.” Call police on 101.