POLICE in Chester city centre are reminding revellers to be vigilant and keep their mobile phones and purses secure on a night out.
The warning comes as bars and clubs in the city centre get busier for the summer months. This traditionally leads to an increase in thefts.
Inspector Ian Thorp of the Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “On a night out, it is easy to forget about security and leave your phone or wallet out on a table. I would urge people to keep their belongings in a zipped up pocket or bag where possible.
“It only takes a thief seconds to steal a small item like that.”
Police in the city centre take thefts like this seriously, but are also warning those who make false reports of theft that they could face prosecution for fraud.
Insp Thorp said: “The vast majority of reports are genuine, however we are aware that for some, reporting a theft of phone and receiving a crime number is a way to get a new updated phone on their insurance.
“All reports of thefts of this nature will be thoroughly investigated, including consulting mobile phone companies, to track down both those who are committing the thefts and the small number of people who are attempting to abuse the system.
“We do also see genuine calls from people who believe their belongings have been stolen, only to find them later. I would ask those people to let the police know if this happens so no time or resources are wasted investigating a crime that did not take place. These cases are genuine mistakes and will not be treated as fraud.”
For more information contact the Chester Inner Neighbourhood Policing team on 0845 458 6384 or email chester.inner.npt@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.
