Brighton teenager charged with stealing from clubbers’ handbags

An 18-year-old man from Brighton has been charged with stealing phones, cameras and bank cards from women’s handbags in a night club.

Mikel Ugarte Bullen, 18, of Upper North Street, Brighton, was detained by door staff at Coalition on Brighton seafront.

He was arrested by officers from Sussex Police last Tuesday (8 January) and charged with theft.

He was bailed to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court a week on Wednesday (23 January).

Sergeant Dave Bennett, from the Brighton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “As part of Operation Tealeaf, our response to city centre thefts, we will continue to work closely with clubs and partner agencies to remind people to keep their bags zipped up and only put coats in ticketed cloakrooms.

“We want everyone to enjoy their night out and not have it ruined by thieves.

“Over the coming months plain-clothed officers will be visiting the city centre clubs on the lookout for opportunistic thieves as well as advising party-goers to look after their belongings.”