London: It’s a stunt worthy of Derren Brown. But this hypnotist was not playing to an audience when he raided an upmarket off-licence shop.
Owner Aftab Haider, 56, lost hundreds of pounds in cash after the thief put him in a trance and rifled through his pockets.
The 45-second heist was caught on CCTV, showing the raider mirroring techniques used by street magicians. It is believed to be the first time the crime, which has been reported in Nigeria, India and Italy, has been filmed in Britain.
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The suspect, in a black bomber jacket, brushed past Haider before gently tapping him on the arm. He apparently claimed his wife was pregnant and needed water.
A few seconds later he makes a stabbing gesture with his right hand at eye level which appears to leave his victim mesmerised. He then reaches inside the motionless shop owner’s trouser pocket and pulls out his wallet before briefly squeezing his shoulder.
The thief can be seen constantly speaking to his victim as he appears to mime a pregnant woman’s stomach before reaching into the pocket and stealing the day’s takings.
He then turns on his heels and quickly walks out of the shop as Haider, known as Aziz, snaps out of the trance and runs after him.
The theft took place at the Hops And Pops off-licence, which stocks wines, craft ales and champagne, in Highgate, North London, on September 11.
A friend of the victim said: `We had no idea Aziz had been hypnotised. When he told me what happened I just thought, how could he have just let someone hug him and start going through his pockets? It’s worrying if people can do that, other people might do the same.’
Magician Damien O’Brien said Haider may have been previously hypnotised by the man to implant `trigger’ words into his subconscious. He said: `You can never hypnotise someone on the first go, you warm them up. He may have said on an earlier visit that the next time he comes in and touches the man on the shoulder he is going to go into a relaxed trance and will let him go into his pockets.’
Detective Sergeant Dave Bullock said: `The victim remained motionless and unable to stop the robbery taking place. He said he was momentarily unaware of what had happened to him.’
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