30
May
2013
By Calvin at 08:40 GMT, 12 years ago
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Police in Shrewsbury are warning shoppers to keep a close watch on their iPhones following a spate of thefts in the town.
Sergeant Claire Greenaway says there has been a recent increase in thefts from locations such as coffee shops, cafés and fast-food restaurants where phones have been left on tables.
Other locations have also been targeted, including boutique type shops with only one employee who can be easily distracted and hairdressers where phones might be visible on counters.
Sergeant Greenaway said: “I want people to be aware of what’s been happening so they can tighten up on security. It seems to be iPhones which are being stolen and owners should keep them securely hidden when not in use.”
TCPW Comment Although it seems that iPhones are being targeted in this latest spate of thefts in Shrewsbury other makes of mobiles are also vulnerable to theft and the same security messages apply to all of us no matter which town or city we live in. Likewise, the loss of handbags or their contents often occurs in the same premises where phones are being stolen so be extra careful about them too!
You may find it interesting to learn that some studies at coffee shops in the West End of London revealed that some subtle changes to coffee shop furniture can make a real difference to the volume of bag theft. Square back chairs provide a convenient place to hang ones handbag (making them vulnerable), whereas round fiddle back chairs do not, resulting in fewer opportunities for the thief and therefore fewer incidents of theft. If the coffee shop also provides some ‘Chelsea Clips’ under the tables to clip the handbag to then so much the better.
Coffee shops, cafés, bars and restaurants can all do a lot more to reduce the incidence of crime that occurs in them, but far too few of them do. I hope some of them read this news item.
Source: West Mercia Police News Release: http://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/news-articles/shrewsbury-shoppers-given-iphone-warning.html
Chelsea Clips: http://www.selectadna.co.uk/chelsea-clips.html
