Police 'steal' 28 phones and bags in one night in Bristol city centre

On Friday night four members of police staff carried out an experiment in Bristol city centre to see how easy it is for thieves to steal phones, bags and purses from revellers.

The team of 'thieves' visited some of the city's biggest clubs, pubs and bars and in the space of just five hours stickered 28 phones, wallets or bags that they could have taken if they were genuine criminals.

Inspector Keith Rundle said; "Every weekend we have people ringing us to report that their phone, wallet or handbag has been taken. Nine times out of ten this will be because they've left it out in plain sight on tables, floors or back of chairs making it really easy for the thieves to target you.

"With smart phones now often worth around £500 it's easy money for the thieves. We ran this experiment to raise awareness of just how easy it is to take your things if you don't keep them safe."

Over 1000 mobile phones and 500 purses and wallets are stolen on average every year from people visiting Bristol city centre. Police are hoping to reduce that number by making people more aware of their responsibility in helping to combat crime.