Student was lured into car by promise of designer gifts
ROBBERS THEN DROVE 20-YEAR-OLD INTO CITY AND MADE HIM WITHDRAW £2,600 FROM BANK
A STUDENT has told of his anger after a “kind gesture” made to two strangers cost him £2,600.
Chen’en Jin, who is from China, moved to Nottingham only a month ago and said he is now “too scared” to leave his accommodation after a robbery last Friday morning.
The incident happened at around 9.30am when Mr Jin was approached by two strangers as he headed to a bus stop in Triumph Road, near the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus.
The 20-year-old, who is in his first year at the university, said: “They said they wanted to get to Heathrow Airport and the data on their phones was not working.”
“They sounded foreign, I think they were Italian. So I Googled it for them and they took pictures of the map.”
Shortly after, the strangers said they were “very grateful”, and wanted to offer him a gift for being a good Samaritan.
Mr Jin added: “One of them said he is a famous designer and had some sample clothes in the car.
“He offered to give me some as a gift.” He then got into their car where he picked two jackets from the stranger.
However, the student was then asked if he could “lend” them £2,600.
“They told me they needed the money for the car and that their bank accounts were frozen,” Mr Jin added.
“They then closed the doors, insisting to give them the money.
“I refused a few times but one of them grabbed my hand - I got scared and I accepted.”
The sum could not be withdrawn from a cash machine because it exceeded the card limit, he explained.
The two strangers then drove the frightened student to Lower Parliament Street, in the city centre.
Mr Jin added: “They have taken my phone and said they will give it back to me only after I would have given them the money.
“So I went in, and then got back with the money.
“I was too scared to do anything - I just followed their instructions.”
He said he is now concerned for his safety, and is struggling with the idea of leaving the house.
Mr Jin added: “I have spoken to my parents about it and they are also very concerned.
“Obviously I am angry about the money, but my safety is more important. I am scared to leave the house now.
“I kept the jackets, but I think they are fake anyway.”
Mr Jin reported the incident to Nottinghamshire Polic.
A spokesperson for The University of Nottingham said: “We are in touch with Chen’en to ensure he receives all the welfare and support that he needs following this shocking incident.
“University security colleagues are supporting the police investigation to identify the offenders. Nottingham is a friendly and welcoming city for our international students and it is particularly reprehensible that his good nature was taken advantage of in this way.”
Inspector Paul Gummer, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We have received a report of a robbery that occurred on Lower Parliament Street, City Centre, on 19 November at around 10am.
“Officers are fully investigating the incident and enquires into what happened are continuing. We are continuing to support the victim and are working closely with the university.
“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any CCTV footage to get in touch with the police as it may help with our investigation.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting incident number 399 of November 19, 2021.