Video footage has been released by a shop owner who believes he caught a criminal in the act of stealing a mobile phone from his store in Dover.

The incident took place in Massive Deals in London Road between 3pm and 4pm, yesterday.

Owner Jay Barton, 37, has released his CCTV footage, which has already been shared more than 300 times on Facebook, in a bid to raise awareness and hopefully catch the suspect.

Staff member Kain Ulyatt was working alone in the second-hand electrical goods store while Mr Barton had left to pick his son up from school.

When Mr Ulyatt turned his back while dealing with another customer, the opportunist leant over the glass counter snatching a phone thought to be worth about £75.

He hides it in his jacket pocket and remains in the store for some time.

Mr Barton, who has owned Massive Deals for seven years, said: “It just angers me. It was so blatant.

“You don’t expect customers to do this. You don’t expect someone to lean over the counter.”

This is not the first time thieves have operated in the store.

A man was caught sliding an iPhone 6 up his sleeve in July last year.

Mr Barton explained that more expensive items are kept in a locked cabinet.

A police spokesman confirmed officers had been made aware and were investigating and inquiries ongoing.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting ZY/3940/16.