New wave of phone crime hits retailers

Mobile phone giant Carphone Warehouse fears that new anticrime measures will not stop a wave of armed raids on its stores.

At least one store a week is being raided by armed gangs taking up to £30,000 worth of handsets and accessories. Staff have been given counselling after the attacks.

Chief executive Charles Dunstone said that a new serial number system being introduced in September to cut mobile-related muggings would do little to stop robbers from targeting stores.

Mr Dunstone said: " These moves will noticeably reduce crime in the street and in the playgrounds, but they won't stop armed robberies at Carphone Warehouse."

The company has installed CCTV cameras and new £2,000 devices which release thick smoke within seconds of a break-in.