More than 100 cell phones stolen or lost at Toronto Premium Outlets since November: police

Police are warning the public after more than 100 incidents of phones being lost or stolen have been reported at the Toronto Premium Outlets since November.

More than 100 cell phones have been lost or stolen at the Toronto Premium Outlets since November, Halton Region police say.

On Friday, Halton Regional Police Service said they launched an investigation at the outlet mall in Halton Hills, Ont., after receiving 104 reports of stolen or lost cell phones by shoppers.

In surveillance footage shared by police, a person dressed in all grey can be seen swiping a woman’s phone as she browses inside a store. Investigators shared the video to show an example of how these thefts are typically done.

Investigators say suspects often work in teams of at least two and will look out for unsuspecting shoppers using their cell phones.

“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 access the victim’s pocket and taking the cell phone, typically from an unsecured jacket pocket where the phone was last placed,” the release reads.

Then, the suspect hands the stolen phone to their accomplice.

Police say the robbery takes just seconds to complete.

Police are warning the public to secure their phone inside a jacket pocket when they’re not using it, hold onto it tightly when in crowded spaces, and never leave a cellphone unattended in public.