POLICE are stepping up patrols in and around Redditch Town Centre to tackle an increase in robberies since the new year.

The move comes after the latest in a string of incidents saw a 26-year-old man threatened with a knife.

DI Tony Love, of Redditch Police, said: "There has been a marked increase in the number of robberies in and around Redditch town centre since the beginning of the year and this is of great concern to us.

"As any victim of robbery would confirm, it is a crime that causes great distress to those involved.

"It also increases the general fear of crime in the community.

"These current levels cannot be tolerated and we are determined to tackle this effectively."

The latest attack happened near the Palace Theatre, Grove Street, between 5.45-6.05pm on Thursday.

Two men - one wearing a balaclava - approached the man.

One grabbed him around the neck and the second threatened him with a knife.

They searched his pockets and stole his wallet before running off towards Ipsley Street.

The wallet contained £250 in cash and bank cards.

DI Love added: "Luckily the victim in this latest robbery suffered only minor injuries but he was left feeling shaken by his ordeal."

He said police were currently studying CCTV evidence.

Anyone with information about the robbery can call police on 08457 444 888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Incidents this year include:

Thursday, February 10, at 7.30pm - bag snatch in the car park of Matalan in Nailsworth Close, Southcrest. Bag contained cash, bank cards and a mobile phone.

Wednesday, February 3, at 3.05pm - man threatens cashier at Halifax bank in Evesham Walk and demands she hand over cash.

Tuesday, February 2, at 7.10pm - man robbed at knifepoint outside Barclays Bank in Alcester Street. Thieves demanded he hand over £200.

Tuesday, February 2, at 12.15am - man attacked outside Palace Theatre, Grove Street.

Thursday, January 20, at 2.45pm - woman has bag snatched outside The Railway pub, Hewell Road, as she walked from the town centre.

Thursday, January 6, at 7.20pm - woman robbed by three youths in Oakly Road, Southcrest.