Police issue warning of thieves targeting distracted cellphone users

The Los Angeles Police Department recently posted several tweets warning residents the number of cellphone thefts downtown have spiked.

Police say thieves are targeting people who appear to be distracted on their devices. In many cases, the phones are stolen right out of the victim's hands as they were making calls or looking down.

Police say the incidents are usually violent in nature and want people to be alert and aware of their surroundings.

If you happen to find yourself a victim LAPD says to note the description of the suspect, the direction of travel and if they fled on foot or in a car.