MOBILE phones are being pinched from shoppers at a busy shopping centre in Poole. 

People have been reporting their phones are being taken from them when they are being distracted while out at Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole. 

One victim, who was sat eating at a table with a group of friends in the KFC, was approached by a woman who could not speak English. 

She then handed the victim a piece of paper asking for assistance and, when the paper was handed back, the woman left the restaurant. 

It was only after that that the victim found their iPhone, which was placed on the table, had been stolen. 

A similar incident happened on the same day at the Starbucks also in Dolphin Shopping Centre. 

A man approached the victim and distracted him with some paperwork, before stealing his mobile phone. 

Both incident happened close to 5pm on Wednesday, May 24. 

Police community support investigator Adam Cleaver, of Poole police, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to alert the public to this type of distraction theft. 

“We would advise that you do not leave mobile phones or valuable items in clear view while out in public and remain vigilant if strangers approach you. 

“If anyone has any information in relation to these incidents, please contact Dorset Police.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230082743.  

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.