Leicestershire Police warning over phone theft scam

Leicestershire Police are warning people to take care with their mobile phones after a number of reports of organised thefts.

Since 4 February, police have had seven reports of people in restaurants and bars being approached by one or two men apparently selling greetings cards.

The cards are spread out on the table in front of the victim and when they are picked up, the phone is also taken.

Police said five of the thefts took place in Leicester, two in Wigston.

Sgt Andy Hutchinson said: "These men operate very quickly so before you realise your phone is missing, they will have gone.

"In recent weeks we have also had a number of incidents reported to us where mobile phones are stolen from people talking or texting in the street."