Croydon's borough commander has spoken of his disappointment that some of his police officers reportedly laughed in the face of a young robbery victim.

The Croydon Guardian reported last week how 20-year-old Matthew Brabbs was allegedly mocked by officers for "not standing up for himself" when a gang snatched his wallet in West Croydon on Sunday, May 7.

Mr Brabbs, from Caterham, claims that when he attempted to report the crime by flagging down a police van in Katharine Street, he was mocked.

He was reportedly told the incident was not a robbery because he handed over his money and it was not taken by force, while an officer was said to have held out his hand and jokingly asked him for cash.

Chief Superintendent Mark Gore said: "Since I arrived here I've been determined to improve the quality of service to the people of Croydon and to give them customer satisfaction whether it be in the front office, out on the street or by giving advice.

"When you read stories like that it is disappointing. Now it is about understanding the reasons behind why it has taken place."

Chief Supt Gore stressed that the incident is still being investigated but said it will be, "dealt with appropriately".

He added: "If it comes to disciplinary action it will be dealt with. We're committed in this borough to really crack down on street crime and to encourage people to come forward so we can arrest the people who perpetrate it.

"This is not routine. Only last week we saw the levels of commitment of officers in the commendation ceremony. This is an isolated incident but that shouldn't undermine the seriousness of it."

Chief Supt Gore said Mr Brabb's decision to hand over his money was something he could "understand entirely".

"The incident was still a robbery because there was a threat of violence. People will hand over property but that doesn't undervalue the offence."

He explained the incident had been a "damaging message" for Croydon police and the "the quality of service now needs to be reiterated."

"We always aim to provide the best quality of service and if we don't reach it, we want people to let us know because it is important it doesn't happen again."