Robbers’ Social Media Blunder Lands Them Behind Bars
Two thieves who brazenly advertised a stolen phone on social media were caught red-handed—and jailed for nearly 12 years between them. The bungling criminals, Abid Rafiq and Paul Appleford, targeted their victim on Northfleet High Street in March 2020 before Appleford unwittingly handed over the phone to a Kent Police sergeant posing as a buyer.
Victim Held Up at Cash Machine Before Phone Stolen
The mugging took place around 8.15pm on March 28, 2020. The 19-year-old victim sensed he was being followed and tried to escape—but Rafiq grabbed his coat and demanded, “What have you got?” Appleford appeared, and the duo forced the victim to a cash machine in Stonebridge Road, ordering him to withdraw £200.
When the victim couldn’t produce the cash, Rafiq snatched his phone and the victim fled.
Bungling Crooks Put Stolen Phone Online – Get Caught
The very next day, the victim tracked his stolen phone to Hampton Crescent, Gravesend. To his shock, the handset was being flogged for £200 on social media.
Kent Police swooped when Appleford agreed to sell the phone to one of the victim’s relatives. As Appleford met the “buyer,” he was arrested. A look into his associates led police to arrest Rafiq later that day. Both men were remanded in custody.
Conspiracy to Quash Justice Backfires
While behind bars, Paul Appleford schemed with his brother Mark to pressure the victim into dropping the charges. Mark called the victim, offering £2,000 to back off. The victim refused, and detectives traced the call back to Mark Appleford’s registered phone.
Sentences Handed Down in Woolwich Crown Court
- Abid Rafiq, 38, of Hampton Crescent, Gravesend: 5 years 7 months for robbery
- Paul Appleford, 35, of Brunswick Walk, Gravesend: 6 years for robbery and perverting course of justice
- Mark Appleford, 28, of Hampton Crescent, Gravesend: 6 months for perverting course of justice
Police Praise Tough Sentencing
“The victim was put through a terrifying ordeal and rightly feared serious harm if he didn’t comply,” said Detective Constable Jess Summers. “These men’s readiness to use violence shows how dangerous they are to the public. I’m glad the courts have handed down strong sentences.”
