“Hugging Gang” caught on CCTV in Verulam robbery
A teenager was the latest victim
A screenshot from CCTV footage which captured the robbery in Verulam
Image: Supplied
A VERULAM teenager has become the latest victim of the “Hugging Gang”, who pickpockets unsuspecting people while pretending to be their friends.
One member of the gang, which operates at busy locations in Verulam and Durban North, had been caught on camera while allegedly robbing the 19-year-old of his cellphone yesterday.
The teen told Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) that he was targeted by two suspects during the pickpocketing.
He said he was on Wick Street in Verulam when one suspect approached him and pretended to know him.
The perpetrator hugged him and left in a white VW Polo (registration unknown) with his accomplice. Moments later, the victim realised that his Honor X7A cellphone had been stolen.
“CCTV footage captured the incident and clearly shows the suspect's modus operandi. They approach their victims under the guise of friendship, hugging them and stepping on their feet as a distraction before discreetly removing their cellphones from their pockets. The suspects are believed to be linked to a spate of pickpocketing incidents,” said Prem Balram, the head of Rusa.
He said about eight victims had contacted him in the last week.
“This gang is operating at busy locations such as service stations, convenience stores and shops. The suspects leave quickly, before the victims realise their phones have been stolen. We urge people who may recognise the man in the video to contact us.'KZN police had not responded at the time of publication.