'Hugger-Muggers' target drunk revellers

A new type of criminal, labelled a ''hugger-mugger", has been targeting revellers in London's West End.

The crime involves groups of pickpockets waiting outside pubs and clubs ready to hug a partygoer as they leave the building, stealing their wallets and mobile phones.

The "hugger-mugger" pretends to be drunk, approaches a drunk reveller, embraces him as a long lost friend and picks his pocket.



The wallet or phone is then passed to an accomplice.

Commander Steve Allen, head of the Metropolitan Police in Westminster, has launched a seven-week campaign called Operation Tiffanie.

It will target crime and anti-social behaviour in central London over the summer holidays, in particular hugger-muggers.