Warning to look after phones after distraction thefts in Poole
Dorset Police are linking two incidents in the Dolphin Shopping Centre
There's a warning for us to look after our phones while out and about, following two distraction thefts in Poole.
They both happened on the same afternoon last month (Wednesday 24th May) in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.
In the first incident, the victim was at a table in KFC with friends, when a woman who couldn't speak English approached them.
She handed the victim a piece of paper asking for assistance, and when the paper was given back, the woman left and the iPhone on the table stolen.
The second case happened in Starbucks shortly afterwards, when a man approached the victim, distracted him with paperwork and stole a phone.
Police Community Support Investigator Adam Cleaver, of Poole police, said:
“I would like to take this opportunity to alert the public to this type of distraction theft.
“We would advise that you do not leave mobile phones or valuable items in clear view while out in public and remain vigilant if strangers approach you.
“If anyone has any information in relation to these incidents, please contact Dorset Police.”
If you can help, you're asked to call 101, quoting reference number 55230082743.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.