‘Don’t buy stolen mobiles’ warning from Basingstoke detectives

Detectives in Basingstoke are warning anyone thinking of buying stolen mobile phones they could receive a criminal record following a recent theft.

In September, 118 Motorola Aura mobile phones were stolen from a storage facility just outside Basingstoke.

Each phone is worth £1,200 and officers are now aware that the phones are being sold locally in the town.

So far, 19 handsets have been recovered and detectives are trying to locate as many phones as possible.

Detective Constable Pete Hanson, from Basingstoke CID, said: “These phones are extremely distinctive and we know they are being sold locally.

“This is a very active investigation and we want to make it clear that if you are offered one of these phones for sale, it is likely to have been stolen.

“If you have been offered one of these phones, or bought one from someone, then please get in touch.

“It is an offence to buy stolen goods and is punishable by up to 14 years in prison so if the offer looks too good to be true, it is likely that whatever you are buying is stolen and not worth the risk.”

Six people have been arrested in connection with the theft and handling of these phones.

Can you help?