Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 9894

Fall in mobile phone thefts in bars and clubs in Leicester following police warning

0
0
by Laura Elvin The number of mobile phone thefts in Leicester has reduced after police targeted gangs stealing from customers in bars and clubs. City patrols were stepped up after professional thieves stole 18 phones from people at licensed premises in the final weekend of January, and 16, 24 and 13 phones in the first three weekends of February. Officers said they would normally expect five such thefts at city centre venues in the course of a weekend. This weekend, the number fell to four thefts after extra officers went into venues to speak to revellers about how to protect their phones, monitored CCTV and carried out plain-clothed patrols. Pc TJ Mavani, of the city's licensing unit, off Belgrave Gate, said: "The significant reduction this weekend is a great success, but we want to continue to drive those figures down. "We have worked in partnership with City Watch and local security staff, who have been great in helping us to identify suspects and potential thieves, and we have carried out extensive work with local bars and clubs to raise awareness of the potential for phone thefts. "However we still want members of the public to help us and would urge people to think about the security of their belongings. "It may only seem like a petty crime to some people, but phones aren't cheap and many of them hold personal and sentimental information and images, so it really is upsetting for the victims when they are taken." He urged people to keep their phone in a zipped bag or pocket, and keep it on them at all times. The officer also suggested switching on phones' built-in GPS tracking system to help officers locate it if it is stolen. The Leicester Mercury reported on Friday that criminal gangs travelling to Leicester from other parts of the country were being blamed for the spike in mobile phone thefts from clubs and bars. "We'll continue to do all we can to bring those responsible to justice and I hope that all the action we have taken so far will reassure members of the public," Pc Mavani added. "Not only that but I hope it sends a clear message to anyone thinking about stealing a phone, that we are out there and you will be caught." So far six people - most from the West Midlands and Northampton areas - have been arrested in connection with incidents of theft. All have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. Graham Collins, from Citywatch, a Neighbourhood Watch-type group for businesses, said venues and the police had been working together to bring about a reduction in thefts. He added: "The phone owners must do their bit to prevent any thefts and not leave the phones on show."

Fall in mobile phone thefts in bars and clubs in Leicester following police warning


Viewing all articles
Browse latest Browse all 9894

Latest Images

Trending Articles





Latest Images