Police are trying to locate a man following the theft of a mobile phone from a coffee shop in Ashford.

A black iPhone was stolen from Starbucks, in the High Street, using a distraction technique.

The victim’s smartphone was on the table where he was drinking his coffee, when a man approached with a newspaper which he placed on the table covering the iPhone.

The suspect spoke to the victim about an advert in the paper, and then picked up the paper and left the shop. When he had gone the victim noticed his iPhone has been stolen.

The incident took place at around 3.30pm on Saturday, August 10.

Kent Police have now released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the alleged theft.

The suspect is described as a man of ‘Arabian’ appearance, aged 25 to 29, 5ft 10in tall, of stocky build with short black hair.

Anyone who can identify the man in the image is asked to contact PC Laura Corbin in the Ashford Neighbourhood Policing Unit on 01233 896335.

Alternatively, if you have information but would prefer to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Ten days earlier, in a fast food restaurant in Ashford, a Blackberry Q10 was stolen when the owner left the device on the counter.

The Blackberry was taken from KFC in Beaver Road on Thursday, August 1 at around 5.15pm.

Police released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

The man is described as white, 6ft 2ins, aged in his mid to late 30s, with short, dark hair and of medium build.

He was wearing light-coloured shorts and a dark T-shirt with stripes on the sleeve.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Emma Todd at Kent Police on 01233 896282, giving reference ZY/22099/13.