Police warning after reports of Forth Valley distraction thefts

A warning has gone out to businesses in the Falkirk area to be on their guard following a recent rise in reports of distraction theft.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Forth Valley Police and other divisions have recently received numerous reports of persons entering offices, retail, leisure and other premises, speaking with staff and customers and using distraction techniques such as asking them to look at a leaflet, newspaper or similar item.

"The perpetrator – or their accomplice – will thereafter steal unattended personal items such as mobile phones, purses or other property from desks, counter tops or from bags and coats nearby.

Read More
Update on missing Forth Valley girl (13)
There have been numerous reports of distraction threats throughout the Forth Valley areaThere have been numerous reports of distraction threats throughout the Forth Valley area
There have been numerous reports of distraction threats throughout the Forth Valley area
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"On other occasions the perpetrators are placing a newspaper or sheet of paper over items left on tables to conceal them before lifting them with the paper. Please be alert to this and keep your personal property and valuables secure at all times.”

If this has happened to you call 101 or log onto the Police Scotland website.

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.