Cell phone bandits use distraction to target victims

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's what Houston police call distraction theft. Groups of teenage and preteen boys going to local businesses and rob either employees or customers of their electronics and cash. We first reported the trend over the weekend when two separate businesses on Westheimer told Eyewitness News they were targeted by the young thieves.

We've now learned groups of young men operating in an almost identical manner robbed businesses in downtown Houston and along the Katy Freeway near the West Loop.

In all cases, a young man entered the business, asking for water or to use the bathroom. While employees are busy helping him or others, the suspects steal cell phones, tablets and other items of value.

"It's just ridiculous that you can't go into a restaurant and sit down and enjoy yourself without worrying about anything happening," said Debbie Love with Frank's Pizza.

Frank's Pizza in downtown Houston has posted photographs of some of the young men on the walls of the restaurant.

"It's very bothersome because we haven't had any problems downtown. We've been very, very fortunate not to have a lot of crime," Love said.

And two months after stealing a phone, a tablet, and a wallet from a tanning salon employee, one of the suspected thieves came back. This time, he was seen on a video camera installed after the first theft.

"They came in asking to use the bathroom, but the minute they saw me, they walked out," said Christian Zarate with Eclipse Tanning Salon.

Police say it is difficult to catch such criminals who rely on people's goodwill and their inattention.

"Hopefully they'll catch them and it will stop," Love said.