A 15-year-old boy had his iPhone snatched in Sutton Coldfield as he walked to catch a train
08:00, 06 Dec 2025
A boy was robbed close to a railway station after being approached by four youths.
The 15-year-old was walking from his father's home in Sutton Coldfield to catch a train from the town's main station to his mother's address in Lichfield when he was set upon just before 9pm on Monday, December 1.
He had walked from Garrard Gardens and was on Railway Road when the robbery took place.
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His dad, Lee Sykes, told BirminghamLive: “My son was walking up to the station to go to his mum’s in Lichfield when four black guys in hoodies and with coverings over their faces, like scarves, went for him and took his phone.
“It happened in Railway Road just as he was about to turn into the car park. He could hear them coming. They started shouting ‘yo bro’.
“He had his phone in his and they swiped it from him. They then said: “We know you.”
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He continued: “My son ran back down to my house and I drove up and caught one of them."
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Lee said the thieves took his son’s iPhone X. He said his son was ‘shaky’ after the robbery.
The 42-year-old added: “I think it’s disgusting at the moment. Even as an adult around this city, you can’t get your phone out or walk somewhere when you see a group of lads.
“I am ex-forces and it’s more worrying walking around Birmingham than in Iraq or Afghanistan.”
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West Midlands Police said: “We are investigating after a teenager was robbed in Sutton Coldfield this week. Shortly after 9pm on December 1, the boy was approached by a group in Railway Road, who stole his phone and left the area.
“A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of robbery and was bailed with strict conditions while our enquiries continue. Anyone who has information which could help with our enquiries can call 101 quoting crime number 20/462205/25.”