SHOPPERS have been warned to keep their wits about them when using their phones in Southend High Street after a spate of thefts by a man on a bicycle.

People using handheld devices have been targeted by a man who rides up and snatches their phone before cycling off.

There have been 12 reported thefts since Wednesday, with three coming over the weekend.

Despite the high number of incidents, police have not yet been given an accurate description of the thief because he rides off quickly, leaving his victims startled.

Sgt Ian Hughes, of the Southend local policing team, said people should not be worried about visiting the area.

However, he said they should try and remain aware of their surroundings when using their phones.

He said: “We have had quite a spate of them. There were nine last week between Wednesday and Friday and we have had about 12 now.

“The suspect is on a push bike and as people are walking along, doing whatever you do when you’re on a mobile phone, they are having it taken out of their hands.

“Then he rides off. It appears to be one person but the description has been varied.

“He seems to approach either from the front or behind, it’s literally a case of him riding past and reaching out his hand.

“People have got their phones in their hand, they might be talking or texting, and then it’s gone in the blink of an eye.

“Nobody so far has been injured but they are startled and thrown a little bit by it.

“There have been no particular times either, but a lot of it has been during the day.

“People just need to keep their wits about them.”

Earlier this year, a 16-year-old boy was charged with a number of similar offences committed in Billericay.

The youngster was accused of snatching 13 mobile phone while riding a moped, mountain bike or normal bicycle.

He was arrested but the charges were later dropped.