Mum at Castle Street garage when 'phone thief' struck

Kerry Wade accidentally left her phone on a ledge at the night pay kiosk at the Texaco garage in Castle Street, Worcester on Sunday.

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The mum-of-four of Lower Broadheath was paying for items at the garage in the early hours of Sunday, July 10 at around 3.35am, only noticing when she returned home her phone was missing.

The 37-year-old mum-of-four reported the matter to West Mercia Police.

Ms Wade says she has been told by police a man was seen putting the phone in his pocket, captured on the garage's CCTV.

She describes the mobile phone as a black Huawei model from 2019 with a clear case screen protector chipped in places.

Ms Wade also said she had been to the garage five times over two days to try and find out what happened. However, staff were not permitted to show her the CCTV.

Ms Wade eventually reported the stolen phone to West Mercia Police on July 13 and says an officer told her what was on the CCTV footage.

She said: "There's a very clear image of the man who stole my phone. There was a man standing behind me and you can see him put it in his pocket. It's as clear as day."

She says her mobile phone was later used by someone else, something she learned after calling her provider to check.

Ms Wade understands the last time it was used was 5.20pm on Sunday, July 10, the same day it was taken. She says she was told by EE the phone was being used in Blackpole Road.

She said the phone contained family photos of her children, family photos and pictures of her at gigs.

She added: "I feel violated and gutted. I feel physically sick and I can't rest. I feel like I'm being watched.

"I know this person has gone through my emails. This person has gone through absolutely everything. I've changed my passwords. I've also cancelled my SIM. I'm just borrowing a handset."

She now hopes police can help reunite her with her phone by sharing CCTV footage of the suspect.  

The phone, which has all her unbacked-up photos on it, belonged to a family member who died, she said.

West Mercia Police has confirmed the incident is being investigated.

A force spokesperson said: "The victim was at Castle Street Garage in Worcester at around 3.55am on Sunday, July 10.

"When making payment through the hatch the victim placed their mobile phone on a ledge to the right of the hatch. They paid and then walked away leaving the phone on the side."

Those with information can contact West Mercia on 101, quoting crime reference 22/70153/22