Officers are issuing a warning to the public following two distraction thefts of mobile phones in Poole.
The first incident occurred at around 4.55pm on Wednesday 24 May 2023 at KFC in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.
It is reported that the victim was eating at a table with a group of friends when a woman approached, who could not speak English. She handed the victim a piece of paper asking for assistance and when the paper was handed back, the woman left the restaurant.
It was subsequently found that an iPhone, which was on the table, had been stolen.
A similar incident occurred between 4.50pm and 5.10pm on the same day at Starbucks in the Dolphin Shopping Centre.
A man approached the victim and distracted him with some paperwork, before stealing his mobile phone.
Police Community Support Investigator Adam Cleaver, of Poole police, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to alert the public to this type of distraction theft.
“We would advise that you do not leave mobile phones or valuable items in clear view while out in public and remain vigilant if strangers approach you.
“If anyone has any information in relation to these incidents, please contact Dorset Police.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230082743. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
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