Police are investigating three mobile phone robberies in and around Nottingham city centre, including an incident in which money was taken from a victim’s account through his banking app.
Officers say men have approached people in the early hours, asking to see their phones or offering drugs before taking their devices. Victims have been threatened with violence if they refuse.
In one incident, a man in his 40s was approached by four men in Clumber Street at around 4am on Sunday 18 October.
They asked whether he wanted drugs. He declined and continued towards Trinity Square, where the men intimidated him, kissed his face and took his mobile phone.
He later discovered money had been taken from his account after his banking app was accessed.
Officers are also investigating two similar incidents over the past week involving groups of three or four men.
Chief Inspector Kylie Davies, who leads policing in the city centre, said: “Our intelligence suggests that this group are preying on people in the early hours of the morning, in and around the Clumber Street and Old Market Square area.”
She said no members of the public had been seriously harmed, but the intimidation had left victims immensely distressed.
“We are determined to catch this group as soon as possible. We have already launched an investigation and are building up a strong picture of who they are,” she said.
“We really want people to be vigilant, report any suspicious activity to us, and be conscious of your surroundings especially during Halloween.”
Police have informed both universities about the incidents and are working with them to make students aware.
Chief Inspector Davies also reminded people that a 24-hour CCTV help point in Angel Row, near Old Market Square, provides a direct link to the control room for anyone needing urgent assistance.
