Blackpool police identify teenage girl suspect in McDonald's smartphone thefts
Police had released CCTV footage of the suspect after a smartphone was snatched from a customer in McDonald's in Bank Hey Street on Tuesday, April 9.
The suspect (pictured) is believed to have distracted the victim before pocketing her phone.
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Hide AdInvestigating officers believe the girl is also a suspect in a number of alleged thefts in Lancashire recently.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "In relation to the appeal for a distraction theft at McDonalds in Bank Hey Street on April 9, a 17-year-old female has been identified from outside Lancashire.
"It is believed the female is responsible for a number of offences and enquiries are on-going in relation to this."
What is distraction theft?
Incidents of distraction thefts typically occur in car parks, supermarkets, banks, shopping centres and on public transport.
These thefts involve the suspect approaching the victim and diverting their attention either by requesting assistance or engaging them in a conversation.