POLICE are hunting a woman who hugs strangers in the street, then steals their wallets. Three men in the borough have fallen prey to the hugging mugger, aged between 30 and 40 and of Romanian appearance. In one case the woman gestured to the man that sh

POLICE are hunting a woman who hugs strangers in the street, then steals their wallets.

Three men in the borough have fallen prey to the hugging mugger, aged between 30 and 40 and of Romanian appearance.

In one case the woman gestured to the man that she wanted a cigarette while pressing up close to him and in another she embraced the victim, and offered him sex. In a third incident she simply walked up to the man and hugged him.

A police spokesperson said: "The victim's appear to be so stunned and confused that a strange woman is embracing them they don't react. The embrace lasts only seconds, but in all three reported cases the men have been robbed."

The muggings took place in Lichfield Road in Dagenham and Upney Lane and Longbridge Road in Barking.

Police are advising residents to keep their wallets and purses in a safe place, preferably zipped in a pocket or bag.

Anyone with information about pickpockets should call the non urgent police reporting line on 0300 123 1212 or call your Safer Neighbourhoods Team.