POLICE are urging shop workers to be vigilant after two distraction-type thefts in Great Yarmouth last week.

The first happened between 1pm and 2pm at a shop in Market Row on Thursday, June 21.

A shop worker put his own phone down while he was dealing with a customer – a man who said he wanted to buy a laptop computer.

The man then asked for a mouse from a display and said that he would go to the bank so he could pay cash.

He then left the premises and the shop worker noticed his phone was missing.

Police need to trace the man who is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, wearing a dark coloured woollen hat, dark jeans and jacket.

The second incident happened between 2.45pm and 3.30pm on the same day at a shop in King Street.

A man described as white, with short dark gelled hair, wearing a beige/brown checked shirt, chocolate coloured tie and trench-style jacket entered the shop and said he wanted to purchase a new mobile phone. The shop worker, who had been using her own iPhone shortly before the man entered, had placed this on a desk while she dealt with his request.

She showed him two phones before the man asked for a demonstration of her iPhone.

The man then asked to see another phone and said that he would have to go to the bank for cash.

He left and a short time later the shop worker discovered her own phone was missing.

Anyone with information about the incidents or the offender in either theft is asked to call Great Yarmouth Police on 101.