Three men arrested on suspicion of stealing mobile phones in Manchester City Centre

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Three men have been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods after 49 mobile phones were recovered from an address, during a crackdown on theft from person offences in Manchester City Centre.

One man has since been charged with 12 counts of handling stolen goods.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate the owners of the mobile phones.

Inspector Glen Rees, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said “Mobile phone theft has become a real concern in recent months, and protecting the public who are simply going about their day is a top priority for our team.

“Though we are doing everything we can to prevent and reduce this type of crime, there are things members of the public can do to protect their belongings – like not leaving them on tables, being aware of surroundings, and keeping phones out of sight when they’re not in use. It’s also worthwhile downloading a tracking app.

“Whilst we are proactively gathering intelligence, we need members of the public to keep talking to us – the information you share is vital in tracing offenders, recovering stolen goods and fighting theft from person.”

You can prevent mobile phone theft yourself by making sure your phone is in a zipped inside pocket or at the very least in a zipped front pocket, we suggest you do not bring out your handset in view even to make a call, use a hands free device whenever possible this will also help reduce any thermal heating of your head more so if you are on a 5G device.

Do not put your mobile in the back pocket, you may think its safe and that you will feel it, however we challenge your right now to test how someone can easily take your phone, put your handset in your back jeans pocket, have someone come towards you and bump into you! where is your attention at the time he or she bumped into you? you felt the bump right? this is where your phone will get pinched! it takes seconds and by the time you realise the thief is long gone!

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.