Cell Phones Stolen at Uptown Clubs, Bars

CHARLOTTE, NC — Dozens of smartphones have been swiped from nightclubs and bars in Uptown Charlotte, according to CMPD.

Victims came to WCCB Charlotte, saying someone stole their phones at RiRa’s and Roxbury.

We checked, and they were right.

Police say many don’t report the crime because they don’t realize it’s happening to other people.

Victims say it’s a smooth grab.

“I didn’t feel it. I didn’t think anybody was acting strange around me,” said Emily Hughes.

Someone stole Hughes’ phone at RiRa’s last October.

She says it was zipped in her purse by her side.

“I never thought it was going to happen to me because I pay close attention to everything I have when I go out,” said Hughes.

WCCB Charlotte asked CMPD for every report taken at RiRas and Roxbury since Jan. 2016.

37 of those are centered around stolen phones, and officers point out not everybody reports this type of crime.

Hughes says thieves stole seven phones the same night she was at RiRa’s. She says only two people reported it to police.

“It was taking too long to file the report,” said Hughes.

WCCB Charlotte stopped at Roxbury and RiRa’s to ask what’s being done for security. No comment.

“Stealing someone’s phone is really personal. It’s important. I’m not sure how anybody else would feel, but I’d feel lost and discombobulated,” said James Franklin.

One victim says her phone had saved voicemails from her grandmother who passed away.

“It’s just a low thing to do, I think,” said Hughes.

In 2015, undercover CMPD officers started setting out bait phones in crowded bars and arresting people who stole them.

Back then Lt. Bret Balamucki said,”These items are worth instant cash on the street.”

Customers suggest you move your phone to your front pocket.

Hughes says she’s going to keep hers zipped in a wrist wallet.

“It felt like cowardly thing. So, if you’re going to take it from me, you’re going to have to take it out of my hands,” said Hughes.

Last time someone tracked her phone, it was in Canada.

When police started the bait phone sting, cell phones accounted for one-third of all thefts in Uptown.

CMPD says you need to report it when your phone is swiped so they can hold the thieves accountable when they catch them.