Police are trying to locate this man after his selfie was seen by the victim’s mother (Picture: Essex Police)

A ‘brainless thief’ stole a mobile phone from a 12-year-old boy before uploading a selfie to Whatsapp, Essex Police have said.

Detectives can’t believe that the man – described as being in his early 20s and 5ft 5in tall – uploaded two images of himself on the communication app, triggering a notification to the schoolboy’s mum who was still a contact.

The child had been walking past Debden tube station shortly after 11am on Tuesday October 1 when the alleged thief asked him for the time.

When the boy got out his Blackberry to check, the man reportedly whipped the phone from him and ran off.




Police believe that the man uploaded previous pictures of himself onto the Watsapp profile on his newly-acquired Blackberry.

A second picture also cropped up (Picture: Essex Police)

Essex Police released these photos in the hope of tracking down the man that they wish to speak to.

‘The thief has further disclosed, via instant messaging, that he lives in south London,’ said investigating officer, detective constable James Smith.

‘Our appeal is to this man’s friends and family to contact us or to advise him to hand himself in. We really can’t believe that this man has incriminated himself.’

The suspect is also described as having a ‘pointy jaw and chin with stubble and facial spots’ while also speaking with a ‘London’ accent.

Anyone with information can contact detectives at Loughton police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

See Essex Police’s tweet HERE.