A 21-year-old man has been remanded in custody to appear at court on Monday 9 October.
Effiong Nsa of Gouge Avenue, Northfleet, Gravesend, will appear at Basildon Magistrates’ Court to answer a charge of robbery.
The charge relates to an incident at Lakeside, Thurrock, on Thursday 5 October, where a person in their 30s had been threatened into handing over two mobile phones.
A second man, a 23-year-old from Kent, has been bailed until 17 December and an 18-year-old woman has been released under investigation whilst we continue to investigate.
District Commander Tony Atkin said: “We continue to work hard to ensure that Thurrock is a safe place to visit and work.
“I want to reassure people that Lakeside and the retail parks are a safe place. Lakeside hosts thousands of people daily, who go about their business without incident.
“We work hard with Lakeside’s management team to ensure your safety including regular patrols by our dedicated Lakeside team in and around the shopping centre.
“The police team are supported by the centre’s management, their security teams, and the Community Safety Partnership teams at Thurrock Council. We have built great relationships with people who work there, to tackle crime in that area, so our community is safe.
“These connections mean they can respond swiftly to incidents and with Lakeside’s fantastic CCTV to identify any potential suspects.
“I would urge anyone who has concerns whilst they are in the shopping area to stop and speak to our dedicated patrols and they will help you.”
For advice on how to protect yourself from mobile phone theft, visit Protect your phone | Essex Police
