Thief uses distraction tactic to swipe phone

CCTV captures a man stealing a mobile phone in a coffee shop by using a piece of paper as a distraction.

The suspect distracts the victim by holding a piece of paper over her phone.

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He then slides the phone away with the paper and makes an exit.

Police have reminded the public to remain vigilant - as many as 10,000 mobile phones are stolen every month.

Police are appealing for information on the incident which occurred in Westminster on 1 April 2015.