Manchester city centre is being plagued by a spate of deception thefts. Using various ploys shoppers have had their bank cards and mobile phones stolen.
Now police have issued CCTV images of a number of people they want to speak to in connection with the spree which has happened over the last few weeks. It is believed those responsible are travelling to the city from elsewhere - including Lancashire and London.
In a statement Greatrer Manchester Police said: "After initial enquiries, Greater Manchester Police are now appealing for help from the public in identifying the following people in these photos, as officers would like to speak to them in connection with a number of separate incidents involving thefts from person over the last few weeks.If you think you might know them or have more recent sightings of them, please get in touch."
Seven incidents are currently being investigated. The appeal comes after a man was jailed for eight months yesterday. Radu Rostas, 29, of Swain Street, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to theft of mobile phones. Police recovered 40 at his home.
Incident 1
Officers have released CCTV images of two men they wish to speak to following a series of bank card thefts from person. The offences occurred at around 16:00pm on 23 September 2022 in Manchester City Centre.
The bank cards were stolen and then used to pay for expensive items in Argos Sainsbury's in Salford. One victim reported that they had their mobile phone stolen as well. Thankfully no one has been physically injured so far.
Officers are now appealing for the public’s help in identifying the two men in these photos as they need to speak to them in connection with the thefts. If you think you might know them, please get in touch.
Anyone with information should call 0161 856 8720 quoting incident number 2508 of 23 September 2022. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Incident 2
Police would also like to speak to this man and woman in relation to a theft from a person involving a mobile phone on Mosley Street outside Sainsbury’s Local. This was after a report came in at approximately 3pm on Tuesday 11 October 2022. Anyone with information should quoting incident number 1857 of 11/10/22.
Incident 3
The City Centre team would like to identify this man and speak to him regarding another theft of a mobile phone from the reception desk at SakkuSamba restaurant on Bridge Street. A distraction technique was used at around 5:30pm on Saturday 22 October 2022. Anyone with information should call quoting incident number 2387 of 22/10/22.
Incident 4
Neighbourhood officers would also like to speak to this woman and boy after another theft of person report was made on Oxford Road. This was reported on Sunday 23 October 2022 at around 3:30pm. Anyone with information should call quoting incident number 1979 of 23/10/22.
Incident 5 & 6
Police want to speak to this person relating to two theft of persons incidents at the Superdrug store in Piccadilly (Wednesday 26 October – 5:30pm) as well as the Barburrito restaurant in the Arndale (Thursday 27 October – 3:15pm) nearby.
Police believe both are linked and mobile phones were taken each time. Anyone with information should quote incident number 2835 of 26/10/22 or incident number 1979 of 27/10/22.
Incident 7
Officers are keen to speak to this man after a mobile phone was taken from premises on Ducie Street. A suspect was captured on CCTV at a counter, wearing a mask. The theft happened at around 7pm on Tuesday 1 November 2022. Anyone with information should quote incident number 2795 of 01/11/22.
Information or details on any of the above can also be shared by dialling 101, through the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Sergeant Kam Hare, of the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Thankfully in all the instances no one has been physically injured, but regardless of this, it is a crime that has a huge impact on each person as personal belongings have been taken.
“Intel suggests some people are coming from outside the Greater Manchester area from other big cities into the city centre here to commit these crimes, but with a significant rise it is something we are taking very seriously and are committing sizeable resources as well as investigating every case to ensure we keep people in the city centre safe.
“Whilst we have secured some great arrests, we are still looking for a number of suspects and to help the public we have some great preventative tips to ensure you keep your belongings safe and secure during the upcoming busy festive period.”
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