Hold on to your cell phone! That’s the advice police are giving to shoppers at the Toronto Premium Outlets in Halton Hills after dozens of pickpocket thefts were reported in the area.
Authorities say they have received more than 100 reports of lost or stolen cell phones from shoppers at the outlets since mid-November.
Investigators have released surveillance footage of one incident to alert shoppers and increase public awareness.
Police say the suspects operate in teams of two or more and target unsuspecting customers who in many cases have their cell phones in an unsecured jacket pocket.
In most cases, police say the suspects “bump or rub against the victim” and take the phone out of their pocket.
“The suspect then quickly hands the stolen cell phone to a second suspect to complete the theft,” police said, adding that it “only takes seconds to complete.”
Police are encouraging shoppers to secure their phones in a fastening pocket inside their jackets or to utilize a pouch.
“Maintain a tight grip or control of your phone when in crowded spaces” and “never leave your phone unattended,” police said.
