Detectives appeal for witnesses following investigation into theft of mobile phones

Following a recent investigation, detectives from our City of Manchester district are looking to speak to witnesses and victims following a number of thefts of phone incidents in the City Centre being committed on electric bikes.

Reports received were from the Ancoats and City Centre areas on Thursday 11 April 2024 between 7-8pm, although detectives believe other linked incidents may have occurred outside of this period.

The two suspects are pictured on an electric bike.

Since then, we have arrested a 13 year-old boy and 37 year-old woman on suspicion of robbery and handling stolen goods and have been released under strict conditions whilst detectives continue to investigate.

Theft of mobile phones is not a new thing although in recent weeks we are aware of a rise in thefts in London, their are things to do to stop this type of crime and its as simple as keeping your handset in a safe pocket and wearing a bluetooth or wired headset.

Remember also to use a pin number to lock your sim! not just your iPhone since a thief will likely throw the sim card, once done the iPhone is back unlocked again, remember also to use ‘Find my iPhone’ this will help police track it down, although you may never see it again.

If you use a pin on the sim card this will give you a crumb of comfort that they cannot use it, immediately ring the network up and tell them about the theft, keep all details, time of theft, where you was. they will black list the phone and sim rendering both useless, remember to keep a note of the IEMI number of the handset you can find this on the box or dial *#06# this could be of use if your mobile is lost or stolen.

You can also use a mobile phone wrist strap or better still a strong lanyard to prevent anyone running off with it although with a lanyard you may have a slight risk some injury to your face from the phone in any attempted theft but both are a good idea these days.

According to police it seems they are after iPhone’s and not just the latest either! in a list seen they even go after iPhone 4, Samsung handsets and others will also be a target.

Detectives are keen to speak to those who have been victim of a connected crime where they have had their device stolen on the street out of their hand, fortunately of the handsets recovered by police four of them have been reunited with the owners, if you have had a phone robbed recently contact police, you will need evidence to prove it was your phone.

The officer in charge of the investigation and Detective Constable Nick Kershaw from our City of Manchester North district said; “We are now in a position, two weeks on, to appeal to the public after a period of investigation, including arrests, and are keen to speak to anyone who may have been a victim of this type of crime recently or if they recognise their device below and have reported it stolen or lost, as we are keen to reunite you with it.

“We understand this type of crime results in unwanted stress and anxiety and are committed on tackling theft and robbery proactively to ensure our city centre remains safe and to prevent any repeat offences.

“Patrols remain in place to offer reassurance across our busy footfall areas, and I would also like to remind the local community to be extra aware of their surroundings when using personal devices on the street, as taking steps to avoid being distracted or using hands-free options may help stop you being a victim a crime.

“You can contact us direct on 0161 856 3827 with any concerns quoting incident number 732 of 12/04/2024. You can also contact us using 101 or through the Live Chat text function on our website homepage at gmp.police.uk

“Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”