Child thief used by gangs

A child is believed to have been trained by his family to work in a gang of mobile phone thieves targeting cafes and fast food restaurants in Leicester.

Detectives suspect the child, who turned 10 at the weekend, is part of a group responsible for 30 phone thefts in the past two months.

The boy and his family are known to police but because of his young age they were powerless to prosecute him until after his 10th birthday.

Officers believe the child works with other youths up to the age of 18, targeting people who have left their phone on view while they eat.

Criminal career

One distracts the customer while the youngster or another accomplice moves in to make the snatch from unsuspecting diners.

The families involved may travel around the country and could be responsible for offences as far afield as Derby, Cardiff and Sheffield.

Detectives say they are currently gathering evidence on the gang.

They are also working with social services, a housing association, immigration and the education authorities to put an end to the youngster's criminal career.

A police spokeswoman said: "We suspect that he was trained by his family but we are still in the process of gathering evidence.

"There were concerns for his welfare and the way he was being brought up and the possible criminal background of his parents."