WOMEN in Belsize have been told to be on extra guard after the callous robbery of a pregnant resident on one of the area s nicest roads in the middle of the afternoon. Anastasia Bloom, 30, was attacked by two men in Adamson Road and robbed of her jewell

WOMEN in Belsize have been told to be on extra guard after the callous robbery of a pregnant resident on one of the area's nicest roads in the middle of the afternoon.

Anastasia Bloom, 30, was attacked by two men in Adamson Road and robbed of her jewellery at 2pm last Thursday, despite being heavily pregnant.

And as a result of the vicious crime she went into labour - although fortunately her baby, a girl, was born healthily five hours later.

Mrs Bloom, an investment banker, was one week overdue when she was attacked.

Speaking from her home this week, she said: "I am very tired after having the baby and I just want to rest now. It was all very distressing."

As a result of the crime, police officers in the area have told women to be more aware of dangerous criminals laying in wait, and have even asked them to consider leaving expensive jewels at home.

Sgt Ian Gilks from Belsize Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "The lady in this case had jewellery on her and whether it was obvious or not they specifically picked on her. If you do have something of value then you should have it hidden or think 'do I really need to take it out with me?'

"It's common sense but you have to look upon how other people view you.

"There are horrible people out there who will look at you as their next meal.

"Robbers are cowards and they will always pick on victims they can beat hands down. They are obviously not going to pick on soldiers returning from Afghanistan."

Sgt Gilks and his team have been carrying out reassurance patrols since the robbery and have handed out panic alarms to those who have requested them.

"For Belsize Park this is a very rare incident," said Sgt Gilks.

"The reality is that it is not a dangerous place. This robbery was horrendous at every angle you look at it but thankfully mother and child are fine."

Belsize resident Helen Cordell agreed that people in the area shouldn't be complacent.

She said: "Basically Belsize is a safe area but we may need to be more cautious.

"Perhaps people have been a little bit too relaxed in the past."

Mrs Bloom was walking with her mother when they were approached by the two men on bicycles, who forced them to the ground and ripped a diamond encrusted pendant from Mrs Bloom's neck.

Her husband Daniel, 36, who was in a business meeting at the time of the assault, said:

"Whoever did this is someone who had absolutely no emotion or respect for anybody.

"It was extremely cowardly."

The two men, both black, are aged approximately 17 to 20 and fled towards Swiss Cottage leaving one of the bicycles at the scene.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident is urged to contact DC Wood at the robbery squad at Kentish Town police station on 020-8733 6116 quoting crime reference 2335156/08.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous, people can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.