The suspects accused of stealing cell phone from the Telus store in Park Place Mall. (Supplied by Lethbridge Police Service)

By David Opinko

LPS investigating rising trend of cell phone thefts

Feb 13, 2020 | 12:03 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) is advising the public of an increase in cell phones being stolen from retailers and being sold to unsuspecting buyers online.

“In cities throughout the province retailers are being targeted by groups of youths and young adults who enter the store, distract employees and steal cell phones,” reads a media release from LPS.

Locally, police are investigating an incident from Friday, February 7, where five men reportedly entered the Telus store in Park Place Mall and stole multiple display model phones, which are said to be worth around $9,000 combined.

The suspects fled through the mall and left in a vehicle.

“Investigation has determined the subjects drove out of the city. The investigation is ongoing to identify and locate the males.”

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If you are looking to buy a phone through an online classified ad, police say to ask for the phone’s serial number or the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number.

The IMEI is a 15-digit number that can be checked on devicecheck.ca. This free service will show whether the phone has been reported stolen or blacklisted.

Officials are also recommending buyers and sellers to meet in safe, public places when buying something from an online site.

The LPS station has a Safe Exchange Zone in the parking lot of the police station.