Fitzroy muggings: African crime gang hunting ‘soft targets’ near Johnson St nightspots
A man walking alone on Grand Final night in Fitzroy was savagely bashed and robbed by a gang employing devious tactics to hunt victims. But what happened after the victim returned later to investigate is what made him want to go public.
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An gang of African youths using “honey pots” and lookouts to hunt, bash and mug Fitzroy revellers attacked the same man twice in a week.
Rob Lloyd, 32, was enjoying a post-Grand Final night out in Fitzroy when he was attacked and robbed by the thugs just after midnight on September 28.
Mr Lloyd was by himself when the gang jumped out from the alley next to the Tankerville Hotel at the corner of Johnson and Nicholson streets.
The area is at the quiet end of Johnson St away from the bulk of bars and restaurants, but frequently used as a pedestrian route between Carlton and Fitzroy.
He was punched several times in the head and beaten by two men and a woman of African appearance, who continued to hit and kick him after he slumped to the ground.
They stole his wallet, jacket and phone and got his phone pin after “beating it out” of him.
“They use the girl to make people feel safe and comfortable before the others pop out of nowhere,” Mr Lloyd said.
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Mr Lloyd went to hospital where he was treated for facial injuries — but that wasn’t the end of it.
He later realised they had “hacked” his phone and accessed his Paypal account, buying a $1200 iPhone off eBay. Mr Lloyd was able to cancel the order.
An Uber Eats purchased with Mr Lloyd’s account was delivered to the Nicholson St public housing estate directly opposite the Tankerville Hotel.
He believes his attackers are connected to the estate and may use it to keep a “lookout” for “soft targets”.
Mr Lloyd went back to the scene of his assault and robbery to gather evidence but was shocked to see the same group of offenders in almost the same location.
“The main guy was there trying to get my new phone off me,” he said.
“They used a girl again, and she could fight, she hit my friend two or three times.”
Mr Lloyd managed to escape unharmed but wanted to warn others of the “perils” of the area.
“There’s a lot of blind spots and they have good vantage points to keep look out and lure unsuspecting people walking by themselves,” he said.
“It’s quite easy for them actually so I’m sure they have got other people, but I’m hoping by going public that I can stop this from happening to others or at least minimise incidents.”
Mr Lloyd reported the assault to police who are investigating.
A police spokesperson said the “exact circumstances are still being established” but confirmed property taken from Mr Lloyd was used “in a number of alleged deceptions”.