A PROLIFIC mugger from an affluent neighbourhood travelled to a poorer area nearby to threaten and rob vulnerable children.

Abdul Jamal, 31, journeyed from his home in Lonsdale Road, Wanstead, to High Road, Leytonstone, to repeatedly target teenage boys on the street in broad daylight.

On a Sunday afternoon in October last year he approached three 15-year-olds near McDonalds and told them a gang waiting nearby would beat them up unless they handed over their mobile phones.

The following month Jamal also robbed a 16-year-old outside the 99p Store in High Road.

Days later his robbery spree continued when he threatened two 14-year-olds at the High Road junction with Joseph Ray Road.

But days later one of the victims spotted Jamal walking in High Road and called police.

He was arrested and later charged with robbery.

Jamal was earlier this month sentenced to two years and three months in prison at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Speaking following Jamal's conviction, Detective Inspector David Spencer, of Waltham Forest CID, welcomed the sentence and warned other muggers.

He said: "Jamal used convincing stories and threats to make young victims hand over their mobile phones. "I hope this sentence demonstrates that if you choose this path, we will pursue you relentlessly and work to bring you to justice."

In May alone 867 crimes were reported in the Leytonstone area.

The main problems are anti-social behaviour, violent crime, theft and vehicle crime.

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