Mobile phone thieves target Shropshire estate agents
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.
Details have been issued by PC Adrian Davies, from the Shrewsbury Town Centre office to warn others to be on their guard.
He said the three incidents all involved estate agents but it was possible the same ploy might be used in other shops or business premises.
The first happened in Bridgnorth during December when a man entered an estate agents, handing over the note. “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 from a desk.”
Later on Friday, a man fitting the description of the suspect, entered a Bridgnorth estate agents but was quickly told to leave by the manager.
PC Davies added: “These offences appear to be committed by one man or possibly a team of men, who for some reason seem to be targeting estate agents and stealing iPhones in particular.
“It seems likely they will have visited the premises beforehand to select likely targets. I would urge people to be on their guard and to call the police on 0300-333-3000 should they be approached in this manner.”
