Police are warning shoppers in Halton following more than 100 incidents of pickpocket thefts in recent months that have occurred at Toronto Premium Outlets.
Halton Regional Police said, since mid-November, they have received 104 incidents of cellphones being reported lost or stolen by patrons while shopping at the mall, located at Hwy. 401 and Trafalgar Rd.
Investigators released security camera video of one reported theft which appears to show a phone quickly snatched from a shopper inside a clothing store.
Police said making the video public is to increase awareness and illustrate how the thefts occur.
According to police, suspects often operate in teams of two or more watching for unsuspecting patrons who use their phones while shopping.
When a shopper is identified they are followed until an opportunity exists where one suspect is able to bump or rub up against the victim, simultaneously accessing the victim’s pocket and taking the phone, typically from an unsecured jacket pocket where the phone was last placed, cops said.
The suspect then quickly hands the stolen phone to a second suspect to complete the theft.
Police said the Criminal Investigations Bureau is working to solve these thefts.
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They are also offering tips and suggestions for shoppers to protect themselves from thefts, including securing your phone in a fastened inside jacket pocket or pouch when not in use, maintaining a tight grip or control of your phone in crowded spaces, and only use your phone when necessary.
Other tips include never leaving your phone unattended and keeping awareness of your surroundings as people may be watching or following you.
Authorities say victims should immediately report any incident of theft and suspicious activity by calling 911 or the Halton Regional Police general line at 905-825-4777.