Bluewater Apple Store robber stole £1,600 phone after assaulting shop worker

A man stole a phone worth £1,600 from the Apple Store at Bluewater Shopping Centre. Muraad Musse pushed the employee to the floor before making off with the stolen item.

Police said Musse had travelled to the Greenhithe shopping centre with an associate on November 25, 2023. His "partner in crime" spoke to one of the staff and distracted them before Musse launched his assault.

Both offenders fled the premises and police were called. The 24-year-old was identified from CCTV images and on November 30, he was arrested at his home.

Read next: Woman 'bitten by dog' being walked by two people

Read next: Women including child being 'approached by stranger' in area of Kent

Musse, of Tilson Gardens, Clapham, London was later charged with robbery. He pleaded guilty and, at Maidstone Crown Court on May 9 and was sentenced to a year and nine months in prison. This included the activation of a suspended sentence.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Alex Burgham, said: ‘Musse and his partner-in-crime travelled into Kent with the sole purpose of stealing a valuable phone. This was accomplished by distracting a shop worker before assaulting them.

"A prompt investigation led to his identification and Musse was tracked down to an address in London. He was already serving a suspended sentence for a similar offence and a period of time in prison was the only possible conclusion."

Get more news from KentLive straight to your inbox for free HERE.