999 call over tobacco crime

A MAN dialed 999 to report a bag of tobacco had been stolen, after he couldn’t find it in his pocket.

He rang the emergency number at about 9pm on Monday, saying a stranger had asked for a ‘roll-up’ – and when he went to look in his trousers, it had gone.

The caller was ‘certain’ someone had stolen it, Insp Phil Spurgeon from the city centre team said.

Insp Spurgeon said the incident has been treated as a theft, but it is unlikely an extensive investigation will launched, due to other police priorities.

He said: “We got a 999 call from Piccadilly Gardens, with the caller reporting theft of £10 worth tobacco. He said a man asked him for a roll-up.

“The caller went to get it out of his pocket and it was missing.

“The caller was certain someone around him has stolen it.”

Anyone can report a crime by calling police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.