Hugger mugger arrested in Singapore

The nimble-fingered 'hugger mugger' targeted elderly men

SINGAPORE, Singapore -- A woman who embraced elderly men so she could rob them has been arrested by Singapore police.

The 50-year-old unemployed woman was arrested Monday after a string of thefts at up to 10 different locations dating back to January this year.

On June 10, the woman, nicknamed the "Hugger" by police, approached a 72-year-old Chinese man, according to a Singapore Police Force media release.

She told the victim she wished to befriend him and led him to a staircase landing in a housing block.

The woman distracted the victim with a hug, while removing his wallet from his trouser pocket. She stole $60 and returned the empty wallet to the elderly man before fleeing.

The man reported the incident to police.

Investigation

"On receipt of the report, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division immediately conducted intensive follow-up investigation which led to the arrest of the 'Hugger'," said Superintendent Vendesan Somo.

"She would, on the pretext of befriending them, get close physically to relieve them of their wallets and cash."

If convicted, the woman faces up to three years in prison, a fine or both.

In 1999, a similar crime was perpetrated against Singapore's elderly men, according to the Straits Times. A 41-year-old lounge hostess was sentenced to 11 years detention for hugging and robbing her victims.