Ex-con reveals new theft trends for Black Friday

Updated
Theft trends on Black Friday
Theft trends on Black Friday



Thieves are gearing up to clean up this Black Friday - to take advantage the fact we are distracted and loaded down with expensive items - to steal our shopping, our wallets and our phones.

See also: Online scams hit Christmas shoppers

See also: Black Friday fashion: where to find the best deals


Last year insurers reported that theft claims increased an average of 18% at this time of the year, with November alone experiencing 41,000 cases of burglary. Meanwhile, criminals hit the streets in enormous numbers to pick the pockets of excited shoppers.

Ex-convict Richard Taylor has been revealing the four new theft trends, which will be used to target Black Friday shoppers this week.

1. Selfie stick burglary
Apparently burglars are pushing selfie sticks through the letterbox, and hooking keys lying too close to the door. They can then pull the keys through the letterbox, and let themselves into your home. It means that when you are out during the day, or in bed at night, it's vital not to leave keys too close to the front door.

2. Social media profiling
Thieves use social media to identify where people live, what they have been shopping for, and the items they own. It means we need to be careful about what we post on social media. A store may ask you if you want to share news of your purchase on line - you don't.

3. Black Friday distraction
A distracted shopper is a useful target for pickpockets. You may well be absorbed by the hunt for bargains, but don't let that override your personal safety. Be aware of where all your new purchases and valuables are, and don't lose track in the Black Friday frenzy.

4. Staging an emergency
Taylor says that criminals will make life easier for themselves by faking an emergency, and asking to borrow your mobile phone. You may feel for them suffering a crisis in the middle of a Black Friday sale, but don't be taken in: it's just a rouse to get you to hand over your phone - at which point they will run of with it.

Paul Lynes, Managing Director of Back Me Up, commented: "Last year, a record-breaking £3.3bn was spent during the four days between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and with many retailers extending their discounting periods, we could see that increase this year. Unfortunately, it's not just us eagerly awaiting these discounts – burglars and pick-pockets could be set to take advantage and strike."

"Theft of high-value portable items, particularly when new products are released, is a massive issue. Within the first month of the iPhone 7 launch, one in ten new phone owners were targeted by thieves, showing just how attractive these sought-after new products are to criminals. As the final countdown to Christmas approaches, shoppers need to stay vigilant, and make sure their bargains are protected."




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