Swindlers invent phone muggings

MOBILE phone owners are inventing muggings to claim insurance and get better models.

Bordeaux police thought a gang was at work after a spate of reports of youths on scooters snatching phones but futher investigation found most cases were lies.

Deputy public prosecutor Isabelle Gentil said some people had broken or lost their phones, some just wanted a new model.

"They were insured against theft – but only if violence was involved," she said, warning that prison sentences and heavy fines can result.

"In at least one case a phone company employee had suggested the idea."