Police probe ‘begging’ thefts of mobile phones in Shropshire
Tuesday 19th April 2011, 8:00PM BST.
Police are investigating a series of incidents where “begging” thieves have stolen mobile phones from estate agents in Shropshire.
They are linking three incidents where a man has entered estate agents handing staff a piece of paper with words to the effect “I am poor, please give money”.
Although no money has been handed over, personal mobile phones are targeted after staff are distracted.
Constable Adrian Davies, from the Shrewsbury town centre police station, today warned others to be on their guard. He said the same ploy might be used in other shops or business premises.
The first happened in Bridgnorth in December.
Constable Davies said: “The member of staff refused to give any money but shortly after, noticed her iPhone 3 mobile phone was missing from her desk.
“On Friday last week, there was an almost identical offence where a man of similar description entered an estate agents in Shrewsbury. He again showed the same note and a white iPhone 3 was taken.”
Later on Friday, a man fitting the description of the suspect, entered a Bridgnorth estate agents but was quickly told to leave.
Constable Davies said: “These offences appear to be committed by one man or possibly a team of men.”
Most Commented
- Shropshire Council will face £8m redundancy bill
- Clampdown on Shrewsbury chuggers
- Bishop's gay marriage views do nothing to support bible teachings
- Letter: Alcohol price plans annoy me
- Planners ordered to stay on Newport visit bus
- Letter: Angered by close encounter of the furred kind
- Letter: No sense in overseas job adverts
Shropshire Star on Twitter
Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
Entertainment
All the film reviews
Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new Shropshire Star app
Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.
shropshirestar.com
Popular sections
Useful links
Lesson there is don’t leave your phone out for public to see!
Report abuse
awwww, poor estate agents…
my! never thought I would say that! :)
Report abuse