Berkeley Police Warn About Cell Phone Thieves Seeking Good Deeds

BERKELEY, CA - Berkeley police are reminding and encouraging people to be aware of cellphone robberies committed through common ruses that take advantage of people's willingness to help.

Police said suspects in recent cases have approached victims asking to use their cellphone with a specific problem or issue they need to tend to, like contacting a sick family member.

Once the suspect has the phone, they'll quickly flee and drive off in a vehicle with the stolen phone, according to police.

Police said in order to minimize phone theft, people should not lend their phones to anyone they don't know and if they want to help, consider placing the call and holding the phone for them.

--Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock