Richmond RCMP is warning people with cellphones - especially new generation smartphones - to take extra care in the city when using their device in public.
Thefts, sometimes brazenly snatched from the hand of the owner using violence, are on the up in the city, with 35 such robberies reported since January.
"In some instances, suspects have simply grabbed the phone from the hands of the victim as they walk by, while in other cases, suspects have distracted the victims at which point the phone is stolen," said Richmond RCMP's Cpl. Sherrdean Turley.
A distraction technique that has been used, according to the police, is whereby the suspect asks the victim for the time.
When the victim pulls out their cell phone to check the time, the suspect grabs the phone and runs off.
Luckily, said Turley, the majority of the offences have not included physical violence, however there have been instances where physical violence has been used.
However, there are precautions you can take to help protect yourself from becoming a victim:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Pay atten-tion to where you are and who is around you. Walk with confidence with your head up, not staring down at the ground. Don't let yourself become so consumed by your cell phone or personal electronic device that you lose touch of what is going on around you. Being aware of your surroundings is always important, regardless of whether or not you are using a cell phone.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel like you are being followed and feel threatened, make eye contact to show you're suspicious and cross the street or enter a business that is close by. This shows that you won't be taken by surprise and puts you in a more populated area that will likely deter a criminal as the chance of being detected is higher.
- Walk with someone whenever possible, in well-traveled and well-lit areas, avoiding short cuts through alleys, construction sites and parking lots. Don't stop to talk to strangers and have a plan of action in mind in the event that you are confronted; know where you will go and what you will do if a dangerous situation presents itself.
- If possible, don't advertise the fact that you're carrying a cell phone or personal electronic device. Carry them as discretely as possible and replace them in your hiding spot immediately after using them.
