St Albans and Harpenden suffer spate of mobile phone thefts
ST ALBANS, HARPENDEN: At least four incidents of mobile phones being stolen in restaurants and bars in the district have been reported to police.
They are among a number across the county which has prompted police to warn that the people responsible are mostly targeting owners who have put their mobile phones on a table.
They distract the owners with a piece of paper or try to sell them greetings cards and whist engaging them in conversation, one of the thieves removes the mobile phone from the table or, on some occasions, their coat pocket or bag.
Recent incidents occurred in Nandos in Chequer Street, St Albans, Pizza Express in Verulam Road, St Albans, The Harvester in Harpenden Road, St Albans, and Lassiters in Harpenden – the latter two incidents last Friday, March 11.
DC Louise Burns said: “So far we’re investigating in the region of 30 offences with the same method. On each occasion the victim hasn’t realised their mobile phone has been stolen until the offenders have left the area and are nowhere to be seen.”
You may also want to watch:
A 31-year-old man and a 23-year-old man, both from Luton, have been arrested in connection with the thefts and are currently on police bail.
Most Read
- 1 Elderly care charity set to close due to pandemic pressures
- 2 Major redevelopment underway at listed former offices in St Albans
- 3 Flashmob celebrates re-opening of St Albans high street
- 4 What are our district's cases like now lockdown restrictions have eased?
- 5 Punch Taverns calls time on White Lion pub team
- 6 Call from St Albans Museum for start of Ramadan
- 7 April 12: Your guide to what can open from Monday when COVID lockdown rules ease
- 8 What are the district's best pub gardens to visit from April 12?
- 9 St Albans-based pharmacy association celebrates centenary
- 10 The latest court results for the St Albans area
