Suspect charged after hugger muggers rob four people in Brighton within two hours

A man has been charged with robbery after four people were mugged within two hours at the weekend.

In two of the robberies the victim was hugged before having his mobile phone stolen.

The first hold up happened at 1.15am on Saturday (18 January) when a 17-year-old boy was walking along North Street in Brighton.

A man and woman, both described as being of Eastern European appearance, went up to him.

The woman took his mobile phone and when he tried to get it back the man punched and kicked him to the ground and the pair ran off.

At 2.30am two men approached a 19-year-old man in King’s Road, engaged him in conversation and hugged him before stealing his mobile phone.

As they were doing this, a third person kicked the victim’s legs away from behind. All three offenders then ran off.

At 2.50am two men engaged a man in conversation in Pavilion Gardens after he asked them for a light.

They hugged him and then took his mobile phone after holding a sharp object to his head. He was unhurt.

At 3am two men approached a man waiting at a bus stop near Pavilion Gardens and after talking to him they snatched his mobile phone.

Two other men waiting at the bus stop intervened to try to help the victim and a scuffle started in which the men sustained minor injuries before the thieves ran off.

Sussex Police said that Ahmed Boudabbous, 18, of Cobham Street, Gravesend, Kent, was due to appear in custody at Brighton Magistrates’ Court today (Monday 20 January).

He has been charged with the robbery at the bus stop near Pavilion Gardens.

A 20-year old man from Gravesend, arrested on suspicion of robbery, has been released on police bail until Sunday 9 February while police inquiries continue.

A 16-year old boy and a 15-year old girl, both also from Gravesend, were released on police bail until Saturday 8 February while police inquiries continue.

Detective Constable Sophie Tullett said: “Anyone who saw any of these incidents or any other suspicious activity in the city centre during that period is asked to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to phone Sussex Police on 101, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Police in Brighton are reminding people to be aware of hugger muggers.

They tend to approach their victims in the early hours of the morning, normally around pubs and clubs.

At first they pretend to be friendly and sometimes hug their victims, catching them off guard.

They then steal the victim’s phone or wallet or purse from their pockets.

Often one of the muggers hugs the victim while another crook waits near by.

Sussex Police said: “In October last year five suspects were arrested, two of whom were charged with theft from people.”