[Mrluvaluva]

From The Sun:

ROBBERS cashed in on the latest PlayStation craze — by targeting fans as soon as they bought their consoles.

Gamers queued for hours to snap up the new Sony PS3 when it was released at midnight last Thursday.

Moments later the crooks struck as the first buyers left shops with the coveted gadgets.

Student Angel Sanchez, 21, was robbed seconds after paying £625 for a console and discs.

Angel, who went to the Game store in Walthamstow, East London, with mum Yolanda, 52, said: “As we left a gang of youths jumped on us. I was punched in the face and mum was bashed as they grabbed my bag. But there was no security and the police hadn’t even been told about the shop opening late. I ended up in hospital but Sony and Game didn’t want to know. They’ve treated me like a mug.”

A man of 26 was robbed of his PS3 as he left the same shop. A car pulled up alongside him and one of the occupants jumped out and snatched his shopping bag.

A police spokeswoman said: “There was a loud cheer from inside the car, where other youths were sitting.”

The US launch of the PS3 sparked muggings, brawls and a shooting. Sony organised 200 midnight openings in Britain.

The spokeswoman added: “We have expressed concerns before about midnight shopping.

“If you are walking along in the early hours carrying a plastic bag with a computer shop emblazoned on it, it’s an advert to say ‘come and rob me’.”

Sony declined to comment but in a secret email seen by The Sun, Game director Anna Macario admitted they would be unable to stop the robberies.