Bizarre Dance Masks Brazen Theft Attempt
Police in Nottingham are hunting a cunning thief who used an unusual distraction technique - performing what he claimed was a "traditional cultural dance" - while stealing from his victim. The incident occurred on Clumber Street in Nottingham city centre at approximately 7:30am on November 16.
The Elaborate Distraction Technique
According to CCTV footage released by Nottinghamshire Police, the suspect first approached his victim and greeted him with a friendly fist bump. After engaging the man in conversation, the thief then began what officers have described as a "bizarre dance" manoeuvre.
The suspect placed one of his legs between the victim's legs and began jumping up and down in an unusual motion. While performing this distracting routine, the pickpocket simultaneously rifled through the victim's pockets and successfully made off with his mobile phone.
Police Investigation Reveals Deliberate Deception
Inspector Paul Gummer of the City Centre neighbourhood policing team confirmed that the thief's apparently drunken behaviour was entirely fabricated. "Officers were able to trace the offender's prior movement to a McDonald's," Inspector Gummer stated.
"We examined CCTV from the nearby branch and obtained a clear image of the person responsible. He does not appear to be intoxicated on the McDonald's CCTV just minutes before the theft, but gave that impression when he was with the victim."
The inspector emphasised that this was a calculated ploy, with the suspect pretending to be intoxicated to convince the victim he posed no threat and was simply being jovial.
Warning Ahead of Festive Season
Inspector Gummer issued a stark warning about this particular method of theft, noting that offenders frequently claim to be performing traditional cultural dances as cover for their criminal activities.
"I would encourage the public to be vigilant against this brazen crime," he urged. "Watch out for it happening to anyone else, particularly those who may be slightly too merry to recognise what's happening to them during this festive period."
Nottinghamshire Police have released the CCTV image obtained from McDonald's and are appealing to the public for help in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the force immediately.
