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Video: Thieves
snatch phone in distraction theft in Tunbridge Wells

This is the moment a cashier's
phone was swiped from under his nose.

Two brazen thieves were caught
on camera as one distracted the worker in Osborns Newsagents in
Tunbridge Wells.

The other is clearly seen
snatching the phone as the helpful worker sorts a cash query on
July 31.

Now police have released this
footage, which they believe will help the suspects wanted for a
series of similar crimes across west Kent.

Businesses in Tunbridge Wells,
Westerham, Sevenoaks, Larkfield, Swanley and Edenbridge have all
fallen prey to these thieves, who distract their victims by
chatting, or asking to swap money from the till.

So far 15 offences of this
nature have been reported to police since mid March, with a further
two on August 10.

Many of the incidents described
the offenders as two women of dark European appearance.

In the Tunbridge Wells incident,
two women asked the cashier to change notes from the
till.

In a scene seemingly from the
Real Hustle, the employee was distracted while they stole his
mobile phone and took £100 from the cash register, as money was
passed back and forth.

DC Matthew Hulbert said: "These
are crimes of opportunity and we want to warn businesses, not to
give these offenders the opportunity they are looking
for.

"I would warn cashiers to be
especially vigilant when asked to change money or when engaged in
conversation, as a means of distraction.

"The offenders may even go to
the lengths of using flyers or obscuring the view of
staff."

Anyone with information about
the incident at Osborns newsagents or any similar offence is asked
to contact police in Tonbridge on 01732 379217.