Thieves have stolen mobile phones from two shops in Newry by causing a distraction.
And police are warning those working in shops and offices to be wary of the ploy.
Officers have been told of two separate incidents where phones have been taken.
In each theft, the suspect has entered the premises with a map and asked for directions.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “On both occasions they have placed the map on top of a mobile phone and then swiped the phone after being given directions, without the victim noticing it at the time.
“Both incidents happened yesterday in Newry and it was a different male suspect for each incident.
“Both are described as young males with Romanian accents.
“Police are advising people in shops and offices to be wary of any males matching this description and holding a map, asking for directions.”
They urged people not to leave their mobile phones in sight.
Anyone with information on either of these incidents or can help catch those responsible should contact the PSNI in Newry on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 347 of 20/02/2019.
