Police Arrests Over Theft Of Mobile Phones In Shropshire

Police have made two arrests in connection with a series of mobile phone thefts from customers at cafes and coffee shops in the county.

A 25-year-old man and a 15-year-old youth were arrested on suspicion of stealing mobiles from customers as they sat at tables taking refreshments.  There were two incidents in Shrewsbury and two in Oswestry on December 28 and 29.

The man has been charged with four counts of theft and is due to appear before Shrewsbury magistrates on January 16.  The teenager has received a final warning.

They were arrested on December 30 in Bromsgrove after their vehicle was stopped by police.

Following the four thefts, West Mercia Police issued a warning urging people attending cafes, fast-food outlets and restaurants, not to leave their phones lying on tables and to keep them securely out of sight.

The thefts occurred after the phone owners were distracted.

Issued: Thursday, 05 January 2012