Police: Keep your iPhones out of sight to beat thieves (From Knutsford Guardian)

Police: Keep your iPhones out of sight to beat thieves

2:00pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in News By David Morgan

KNUTSFORD residents are being urged to keep their valuables out of sight following a spate of iPhone thefts.

Customers in Knutsford Wine Bar in King Street and Knutsford services were targeted over the weekend using a distraction technique.

Police say the criminals enter the town’s bars and coffee shops with a leaflet in their hand and engage the victim in conversation.

They then place the leaflet over the owner’s mobile phone and take it with them when they leave.

A purse was stolen from the Windmill pub in Tabley over the weekend in the same way and another iPhone was snatched in Costa Coffee in Princess Street around a fortnight ago.

All the offenders have been described as being of Eastern European appearance.

Insp Steve Griffiths, of Knutsford police, told the Guardian that more officers will on the streets in plain clothes and urged people to be vigilant.

He added: “Keep your phone out of sight in your pocket or in your bag because as soon as it is on the table in full view the temptation is there.

“These offenders are opportunists who observe where people put valuables.

“iPhones are worth about £400 and most people keep photos and videos of loved ones on there. You can get a new phone but you can’t replace those.”

Insp Griffiths said the technique is used by thieves across the country and is currently affecting Knutsford, Wilmslow and Macclesfield.

He said: “People are out there having a glass of wine or reading a book and it’s so easy for these thieves as people are busy with what they’re doing.

“They walk around and pick their targets so our message is don’t be a target. It’s so preventable.”

If you notice anything suspicious, call Knutsford police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.