Thieves target smartphone users as shops pay €100 per device

STREET thefts of iPhones and other smartphones are on the rise and criminals are getting up to €100 in cash for them from mobile phone shops.

These shops are then wiping the phones — making it difficult for gardaí to link them to their owners — and selling them on.

While the shops are not acting illegally, gardaí have spoken to owners and informed them of what is happening.