The visiting student claimed a small amount of cash was snatched from him on Monday afternoon. But he did not wish to pursue the matter.

The complaint follows Saturday afternoon's robbery of a 16-year-old near the entrance to the mall.

Yesterday, Police spokesman P.c. Gary Venning said that robbery may have sparked copy-cat incidents.

"However, with the start of Christmas crime patrols, it is expected this type of behaviour will be minimised.'' Meanwhile, Police have arrested a second person, a 15-year-old Devonshire boy, in connection with Saturday's robbery.

Earlier they arrested a 15-year-old Paget boy in connection with the incident, which occurred at about 12.30 p.m.

The victim was allegedly attacked and robbed of cash by two boys, one wielding a stick.

It was the latest in a string of recent incidents at Washington Mall, which included a gang attack on a Warwick Secondary School student last month.

At a press conference yesterday to announce increased Police patrols during the Christmas season, Chief Insp. Roger Brydon, in charge of the Police central division, said he was speaking to Washington Mall management about various initiatives.

"We would hope shopkeepers and businesses could work together to identify people before a crime takes place so we can be more pro-active,'' he said.

For more on Police patrols, see Page 2