Drive away phones theft

POLICE have warned people be wary of handing over their phones to strangers to use, after two teenagers were robbed of theirs recently.
Two 17-year-old boys were walking along Overland Drive, Narre Warren, just before 6pm on Wednesday 18 June, when a car pulled up beside them.
The driver and passenger of the car made pretended they were distressed and that they urgently needed a phone to call their mum.
Police said one of the boys handed over his phone, which the passenger of the car pretended to use to make a call.
The driver said he also needed a phone, and as the other victim pulled his mobile out of his pocket the driver snatched it out of his hand and drove off with both phones.
Casey CIU Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Garry Kear said police wanted to make people aware of the incident so others don’t fall victim to the same trap.
“My advice to people is that if someone asks to use your phone, to ask them what number they need to call and say you’ll call for them,” he said.
“Don’t hand over your phone to a stranger, particularly when they are easily mobile.”
The two men were described as being of Islander appearance and the driver was wearing a dark-coloured, sleeveless top and hat.
They were driving a maroon coloured Ford Falcon with no registration plates.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.