A 24‑year‑old man has been charged with a series of ‘befriending’ thefts after people enjoying nights out in Birmingham city centre had their phones stolen.
More than 20 people are believed to have been targeted over the past 18 months by thieves acting alone or in groups. The incidents have predominantly taken place between 2am and 7am around popular night spots, including Hurst Street in the Gay Village.
Police say the thieves would often approach people, strike up a conversation, and ask for their phone to ‘enter their number’ before making off with the device.
At approximately 5am on Thursday, officers from Operation Fearless carried out a pre‑planned operation and arrested a 24‑year‑old man on Thorpe Street in Digbeth. He has been charged with five counts of theft from a person and two counts of fraud. The man was remanded in custody and appeared before Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Officers from the city centre team continue to investigate, and West Midlands Police have issued advice for those enjoying nights out:
- Plan your evening in advance and let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.
- Stay with friends and avoid walking alone, especially in unlit areas. Consider sharing your phone’s location with trusted people.
- Never leave drinks unattended and be wary of accepting drinks from strangers.
- Keep valuables out of sight and only carry essentials.
- Always use licensed taxis and steer clear of unlicensed cabs.
A police spokesperson said: “A night out should be fun and safe. We urge people to stay vigilant and be mindful of their belongings while enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife.”
Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact West Midlands Police via 101 or the force’s online reporting service.