Shropshire Customers Urged To Keep Their Mobile Phones Safe

Restaurant and café customers in Shropshire are being warned not to leave their mobile phones on display following a series of thefts.

Police have received four reports of mobiles being stolen from tables while people are having a coffee or something to eat.

In each case, customers have been distracted by two men asking for money and waving newspapers in their faces.  Only after the strangers have left have they discovered their phones missing.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said today: "It's been the same tactic used in each case.  The offenders have obviously noticed a mobile phone lying on the table and have come across with the purpose of distracting the owner and snatching the phone without being noticed.

"The suspects have asked for money and then proceeded to wave newspaper or something similar near the faces of the customer while one of them picks up the phone unnoticed before making a hasty exit."

Two of the thefts happened yesterday at cafes in Shrewsbury and Oswestry.  Two more were reported on Wednesday, at different premises again in Shrewsbury and Oswestry.

The men are described as Asian or Eastern European in appearance.  They approach tables and engage the occupants in conversation before carrying out the distraction theft.

"We want people to be aware that these opportunistic thefts are taking place and not to leave their phones lying on tables while attending cafes, fast-food outlets and restaurants.  Keep them out of sight so they remain safe and secure," the police spokesperson added.

Issued: Friday, 30 December 2011