Northumbria Police officers on the night-time economy beat in Newcastle city centre(Image: Northumbria Police)

Man charged after alleged Newcastle city centre watch robbery

A man, 28, has been charged with robbery over a reported incident in the early hours of March 2

by · ChronicleLive

A man has been charged with robbery after reports of a man's watch being stolen in a late-night incident in Newcastle city centre.

Hmetee Ramzi, 28, of no fixed abode, was charged over the alleged incident, which took place in the early hours of March 3, and appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on March 11. He has now been remanded in custody and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on April 8.

On Saturday, March 2, police stopped two males after a report that one of them was acting suspiciously by showing interest in someone’s watch, with details for both men taken.

Then, shortly before 4am the following morning, a man reported that he was on his way home when he was approached by two males while he was on Pilgrim Street.

The two men are alleged to have forced the victim to the ground before taking his watch and fleeing. Police said they linked the two men they had spoken to the night before to the alleged robbery. This led them to South Yorkshire, and travelling down to that area saw one man arrested. Enquiries to trace a second suspect are ongoing.

Inspector Karen Madge, of Northumbria Police, said: "This was excellent work from our officers, who while carrying out usual patrols as part of our engagement in the Night Time Economy in Newcastle city centre, spotted individuals acting suspiciously and correctly took some details.

"Once we received a report of robbery in the early hours of the following morning, the team moved swiftly to identify the suspects, with one located in another area of the country. He has now been charged and put before court while we continue to search for another man.

"This type of criminality is not unique to the North East, and we are determined to apprehend those responsible for targeting victims in this way."

Inspector Madge said people should plan their routes home carefully when out and about, and keep their phone and valuables out of sight. She added: "Never hand over your electronic devices to strangers, even if you think it will just be a for a moment or to allow the person asking to input some social media details. Please remember not to leave bags or wallets unattended in bars and pubs too."

The public is asked to work with the cops by reporting anything suspicious, while if threatened with violence, the police advice is: "Please do not risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can't."

"Please be aware that if you are in need of assistance while out in Newcastle city centre, you can approach officers on duty or visit the Safe Haven van. We will continue to have plain clothes officers as well as a uniformed presence actively patrolling in the Night Time Economy. We are here for you if you need us."

Anyone who sees something suspicious should approach an officer on duty or call 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.

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