Distraction thief targets estate agents

Alderley Edge residents and businesses are being urged to be vigilant following a distraction theft which occurred in the village centre on Saturday, 21st October.

A member of staff at Bridgfords had their mobile phone stolen off their desk when a man in his early 20's with an Eastern European accent came into the branch during the afternoon.

He distracted the victim by asking for help reading from a sheet of paper and then took the estate agent's mobile phone.

The suspect is described as a tall man, of slim build. He was wearing a black cap, a black jacket and Nike tracksuit bottoms.

Police are advising people to be extra vigilant because, whilst there have been no other similar incidents in the local area, thieves often operate in gangs and family groups and may well revisit the village.

Police Sergeant John O'Driscoll said "The technique is a well-used one, commonly used in city centres but is relatively rare for the Wilmslow and Alderley Edge area.

"On this occasion CCTV has been checked and is not of sufficient quality to contemplate an ID. The 'find my iPhone' feature has been disabled which means location of the phone can't be established."

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 217873.

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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Kelvin Briggs
Tuesday 23rd October 2018 at 1:29 pm
Sorry that Bridgfords have been victim of crime.

Is the unclear CCTV footage their own or is it from the Cheshire East Council mast so close to their office?

I believe the CCTV system was upgraded recently to deliver clearer results following the Parish Councillors visits to the control centre. Disappointing the images have not been clear enough to help.

Do we know if the CCTV in the village has helped the police apprehend any offenders in the last 12 months? Is it delivering value for money?