Avon and Somerset Police in Bath are warning pub and club-goers to be aware of thieves who are targeting the city centre to steal mobile phones.
There have been more than sixty mobile phone thefts in the city centre in September and October. Most are from handbags, but the thieves are becoming so confident that mobile phones are even being taken from jean and jacket pockets without the victims noticing.
City centre neighbourhood Inspector Steve Mildren said: “The fact that the vast majority of the victims are young women, and the hotspot nights are Friday and Saturdays, leads us to believe that licensed premises are being targeted by thieves.
“We’re appealing to people who go to pubs and clubs in Bath city centre to be vigilant and report anyone or anything suspicious. When you take your phone out to make a call, send a text or take a photograph then beware that you maybe being watched by a thief.“
“Mobile phones, especially smart phones, are particularly attractive to thieves, and all contain personal and private information that makes their theft particularly worrying for victims.
“There is obviously a market for these stolen phones and we’d also like anyone with information about people who are involved in the sale of mobile phones to contact us on 101 or via Crimestoppers.”
In a crowded pub or club it is very easy for a thief to steal a phone. Police are asking mobile phones users to follow some simple but effective crime prevention advice.
• Use the security features on your phone – like passwords and tracking devices
• Know your IMEI number – input *#06# and keep a record of your unique serial number
• Mark your phone – write your postcode and home number on it with a UV pen or permanent marker
• Secure your phone – attach it with a lanyard/cable to your belt or bag
• Put it away – never leave your phone on a table or on display
• Sign up to the Immobilise database – a free service to register your IMEI number on www.immobilise.com.
