West Yorkshire Police are hunting a thief who snatched a mobile phone from its owner as the owner stood in the street dialling a number.

Officers say mobile phone theft is a growing trend all over the county, including Otley, and are warning users to be on their guard. The thief snatched a Nokia mobile, valued at £130, from its owner's hands.

The phone user gave chase but lost the thief.

Inspector Nigel Cawthorne said: "It's not very common to have a mobile phone snatched out of your hands while you're using it but generally we are getting more and more thefts of mobile phones.

"They have become a bit of a status symbol, especially in the youth culture, and people should be aware that mobiles - especially the pre-paid ones - are becoming a sought-after item. People need to be wary and try not to give the thieves any temptation.''

The man police are looking for in connection with the theft is described as white, aged about 19 and 5ft 9ins. He was wearing a cream baseball cap, blue nylon jacket, dark blue jeans with a long chain hanging from the hip and a pair of dark trainers.

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