Police probe ‘bizarre’ dance distraction theft in Nottingham

Police are investigating after CCTV footage appeared to show a man using a “bizarre” dance routine during a distraction theft.

Nottinghamshire Police believe a pickpocket pretended to be drunk in order to trick the victim.

Footage showed a man approach another man in Clumber Street in Nottingham city centre shortly after 07:30 GMT on Sunday 16 November.

The victim’s phone was stolen and the force is urging anyone with information to come forward.

Insp Paul Gummer, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Distraction thefts of this nature have happened in the past – not just in Nottingham but across the country and it is common for the offender to claim the strange dance is a traditional cultural dance from their country.

“To be clear – it is absolutely not a cultural dance – it’s a cynical attempt to distract attention away from the victim’s pockets, where the pickpocketing is happening.”