Crime & Safety

Cell Phone Thief Punches Victim in Face

Police advise cell phone users not to use their devices in public to prevent theft.

Three of six robberies committed in the area patrolled by the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division from Nov. 25-Dec. 3 involved the stealing of smartphones, according to the police station's Facebook page.

Two of the incidents occurred when victims were using their cell phones. In one instance, the victim was punched in the face while talking on their phone. In another case, the victim was walking, listening to music.

LAPD suggests you "Protect yourself and your property by not using your phone in public." Police note that many attacks happen from behind the victim.

One suspect was arrested for a smartphone theft, said police. The thieves were not apprehended in the other cases.


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