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.”

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.