A number of mobile phone thefts in Preston city centre has triggered a warning from police.
Preston Police have released a video showing the tactics used by distraction thieves.
PCSO Stephen Connolly said: “I just wanted to make you aware of a couple reports we’ve had over the last couple days relating to mobile phones being stolen whilst people have been shopping in the City Centre.
“Here is a video that our colleagues in Greater Manchester Police released some time ago now however many of these tactics that thieves employ have not changed over the years.
“By having a look at this video and remaining vigilant whilst you shop, especially as shops are beginning to get much busier you can protect your property from begin stolen.”
Read more: Picture released after car break-ins across southern Preston
You can register your phone for free on the Immobilise national database. This means if it is recovered by police they can get it back to you.