Moment brazen thief snatches phone in plain sight at London pub

CCTV footage shows the moment a brazen thief snatches a phone off a table at a London pub.

In the footage, two men are sitting at a table next to a group of people.

While the victim is distracted in conversation, one of the suspects turns around and snatches the phone from the table in one swift swoop.

The thief swiped the phone from the table behind him while the victim was distracted

City of London Police

Both men then leave the venue before the victim realises.

The City of London Police is now appealing for more information to help identify two men in connection with the incident.

It comes as the force - which enforces the law within the Square Mile - urges people to keep phones and valuables close and to never leave them unattended.

Detective Constable Stacie Cottrell at the City of London Police said: “This was an opportunistic theft carried out in plain sight. The offenders deliberately targeted a group enjoying themselves in a pub, knowing that a moment's distraction was all they needed to steal someone's mobile phone.

“We would also urge anyone socialising in pubs, bars or restaurants to keep their valuables close by and never leave phones or wallets unattended. We are releasing this footage as we believe someone may recognise these men and help us identify them.”

Anyone with information should contact City of London Police on 101 quoting 652699. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.