CCTV issued after 'thief uses woman's iPhone to spend £342 on Apple Pay'
Officers believe the man pictured could have vital information
A man snatched an iPhone in Manchester city centre before spending hundreds of pounds on Apple Pay, police say.
Officers are investigating an alleged theft which took place on Hilton Street, in the Northern Quarter.
Greater Manchester Police says the suspect took the item from a female victim before going on to make two fraudulent payments using the phone.
The first payment was for £62, with the second for £280, GMP says. The total allegedly spent using the device was £342.
The force has issued a CCTV image this afternoon (June 11) showing a man police wish to speak to in connection with the incident.
The theft reportedly took place at 11.15pm on Wednesday, February 19.
Anyone who recognises the man or has information on the incident is urged to come forward to GMP as soon as possible.
A GMP City Centre spokesperson said: "Officers would like to speak with a man in relation to a theft in Manchester city centre.
Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE
"A theft was committed at 11:15pm on Wednesday, February 19 2025, on Hilton Street.
"It is suspected that whilst following a female victim, a man reached into her coat pocket and stole her mobile phone, using her Apple Pay to make two fraudulent purchases of £62 and £280.
"Anyone who recognises the pictured male, or witnessed the incident, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting the log number 1509 of March 7, 2025."
---
For the latest stories and breaking news visit manchestereveningnews.co.uk. Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here.
You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest.
Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here.
If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.