'Hugger muggers' steal Mancs' watches as police issue warning to city centre

Two people have been arrested following a rise in ‘hugger muggers’ — a kind of theft where criminals prey on distracted or intoxicated people on their own in Manchester city centre.

GMP officers have also been advising people to keep their wits about them, encouraging pedestrians to concentrate on themselves and their surroundings when out and about in town. Stolen items include watches, mobile phones, and electronic tablets.

City centre cops have now explained how the thefts take place and are urging residents to register their valuables in case they are nicked.

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“We continue to work to keep people safe and I’d like to take this opportunity to warn the public of ‘hugger muggers’ who prey on those who are usually alone or intoxicated as a way of stealing their personal items and valuables,” said Chief Inspector Stephen Wiggins, from GMP’s Manchester City Neighbourhood Team.

“With this offence it’s often that street crimes are largely opportunistic and we need the public to be vigilant of their surroundings whilst out and about.

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“Those who are texting and making phone calls or those who have headphones in make themselves look distracted to criminals, ensure that when you are walking in public your concentration is on yourself and your surroundings. Please keep your valuables hidden in a bag or in pockets to avoid it being on show.

“Although we have made two arrests, our enquiries into these robberies are very much ongoing and we are trying to locate the owner of a watch that was suspected stolen. If you believe this watch belongs to you, or knows who