Retailers on Westside warned to watch out for phone card conman

Shops within the Westside BID area are being urged to remain vigilant during the current lockdown after a fraudster brazenly made off with telephone cards from a local store.

As this video footage shows, the man walked into the Premier Edgbaston premises in Islington Row, Five Ways on Tuesday 21 April and asked to buy two phone cards.

But the camera then catches him in the act as he switches the new cards for two old ones.

He then tells the shopkeeper that he doesn’t want to make the purchase and, after being given his money back, leaves the shop with the new phone cards, worth a total of £10, in his pocket.

Mr Humayun Mian, who runs the Premier Edgbaston store, said: “It is only a minor theft in terms of the amount, but it is still fraud and other premises need to be on their guard.

“This man bought a couple of telephone cards but then quickly turned around and swapped them for old ones. He told the shop staff that he didn’t want the cards, he wanted a voucher instead, so basically he got his money back.

“The shopkeeper realised pretty quickly what had happened when he turned over the cards that had been returned to him and could see they were old ones. The barcode had already been scratched off and the cards already used.”

Westside BID general manager Mike Olley said: “Unfortunately, criminals are continuing to operate during the coronavirus outbreak, so it is really important that retailers also remain vigilant throughout this period.”

The incident has been reported to West Midlands Police.

By Tony Collins.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Play about partition of India to cause new stir at Westside theatre

Play about partition of India to cause new stir at Westside theatre

28th March 2024 - News / by Tony Collins

One of the most divisive events in world history is to form the backdrop of a powerful new play being staged ion Westside in April. SILENCE originally premiered in 2022 to mark 75 yea...Read more

Brindleyplace staff stand out thanks to city artist and fashion brand

Brindleyplace staff stand out thanks to city artist and fashion brand

27th March 2024 - News / by Tony Collins

A renowned Birmingham artist has helped to create a range of colourful fashion accessories to help Brindleyplace staff stand out. Alexander Edwards, who markets himself as Brumha...Read more

VIDEO: Westside’s Easter Bunny makes holiday season smiles better

VIDEO: Westside’s Easter Bunny makes holiday season smiles better

- News / by Graham Young

Westside’s Easter Bunny has been out and about to prove that everybody's favourite season of spring is really here. Our Easter Bunny pops up on Brindleyplace. After record rainfall...Read more

Interested in receiving future updates?

Sign up to our mailing list to get regular updates covering ongoing projects, upcoming events and latest news: