A devastated dad of two fears for the future of his business and family after thieves stole phones worth more than £1,000. Moasab Habib, who owns Mobiles Plus in High Road, Beeston, said he was left in shock and with a "huge financial loss" after the incident on February 22.
There was only one employee inside the store when a man looking "just like a regular customer" entered the shop just before 1pm. He eyed an iPhone 12 and 13, Mr Habib said. We usually have two members of staff in the store, but it was just my colleague this time - I was not here. So one man came in and asked to see those phones that are the most expensive ones we have got", he said.
While the employee was explaining the differences between the two phones to the customer, another man entered the store, the owner said. He added: "We always do that with customers, we try to explain them the differences between two phones and help them make an informed decision."
But shortly after, the man at the door distracted the employee while holding the door wide. The pretending customer grabbed the two phones and ran away. By the time the employee tried to get through the counter they were already gone", Mr Habib added. He said that a third man was spotted outside the store and believes to be linked to the group. The alleged incident was caught on the CCTV installed in the shop.
Mr Habib estimates the loss to cost him around £1100. The 33-year-old from Aspley said the money lost made him worry about the future of his business. He said: "It is a huge financial loss, especially for a small business like ours. Clearly those people do not care about that.
"It comes as a very difficult time especially after we have been trying to recover from the pandemic. It was a shock for all of us. Now we just stopped selling those pricier items because we cannot afford losing anymore money." He went on and said: "I am concerned about the future of my business because I just feel very vulnerable now. What if other people will also take advantage of that? I have got three children as well and I am worried financially. It is very worrying."
Sergeant Tara Clapperton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Police were called to reports that two phones had been taken from a shop in High Road, Beeston, at around 12.55pm on Tuesday 22 February 2022. Officers continue to make enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage from the shop and the surrounding area, and we would now ask for anyone with information to come forward.
“Businesses are extremely important for the local area, both to support local people and also for the local economy. It is awful to hear of this report that an independent business has had this happen to them, and we are committed to bringing those involved in such crime to justice.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident, who was in the surrounding area, or has any information about the incident is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 333 of 22 February 2022.”
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