Don't be a mug

Friday, 8 June 2007

Once and it's a story, twice and it's a coincidence, but more than that and there's a problem.

Over the last six weeks REALSoho has received a number of reports of robbery specifically targetted at gay men leaving clubs in the central London area.

Typically a group of not altogether unattractive 20-something-year-olds (two of the letters indicated that the group were Spanish speaking) approach a couple or group leaving clubs such as G.A.Y. or Heaven and dance, chat and flirt with them. Whilst appearing to make friends with the group they will quickly make off with phones, wallets and money - and the good will of the post-clubbers often gives them plenty of time for their get-away before the robbery is noticed.

On reporting the robbery at the location of attack the police's response has simply been that "it happens all the time", and with resources spread so thinly there is little they seem able to do about it. This is obviously a tried and trusted way to steal some pink pounds.

It's unfortunate that we need to be suspicious of random acts of friendliness, but in this case - if you're leaving clubs in the small hours and you are approached by a group who appear to trying to befriend you... be on your guard. Unless you think it's worth risking your phone, money and credit cards.

If you are the unfortunate victim of theft, or any kind of attack then make sure you report it so that Police can build a better picture of crime hot spots and deploy officers more effectively.