Shop assistant injured at Birmingham CEX shop in vicious shoplifting raid

A shop assistant was injured when a thief carried out a vicious shoplifting raid at a Birmingham shop. The incident took place at the CEX shop in the High Street in Erdington at around midday on Wednesday (November 6).

A video posted online, since deleted, showed the thief approach the counter and ask to look at an iPhone. As he does he reaches over and snatches the phone, and a woman behind the counter tries to hold on.

The man then flees the shop, as another customer tried to stop him on his way out. The suspect had black hair and a black beard and was wearing a black coat.

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West Midlands Police has confirmed it is investigating the theft. A spokesman for the force said: “We're investigating after a mobile phone was stolen from a shop in High Street, Erdington, at around 12pm on 6 November.

“It was grabbed from a shop worker who sustained a hand injury. We're carrying out CCTV enquiries - alongside other enquiries - to identify who was involved.

“Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat on our website, or by calling 101, and quote 20/943163/24.” Alternatively, anyone with any information can contact independent charity, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. CEX has been approached for a statement.