Suspect identified and captured with the help of T-Mobile’s Loss Prevention team
A Georgia man is behind bars after being charged with felony shoplifting in D’Iberville, Mississippi. The suspect, identified as Damani Wright, 25, of Apharetta, Georgia, is accused of stealing merchandise from the T-Mobile store on Sangani Boulevard. His bond is set at $100,000.
According to D’Iberville Police Chief Shannon Nobles, the case began on July 20, 2023, when officers received a shoplifting complaint at the store. T-Mobile employees said Wright entered wearing a hospital mask and began cutting security tags off phones and accessories on display. About two minutes after entering the store, Wright left with items valued at more than $15,000.
Security footage captured images of Wright, who was later identified as a suspect in other T-Mobile thefts in multiple states. Nobles said the police department worked closely with T-Mobile’s Loss Prevention team to track down Wright and his accomplices.
Wright linked to a series of T-Mobile thefts across the country
Wright was arrested in Gwinnett County, Georgia, on August 15, 2023. A warrant was issued for Wright from D’Iberville for felony shoplifting. He also faces multiple felony charges in Georgia, North Carolina and Florida.
Nobles said Wright and his accomplices are part of a larger criminal organization that targets T-Mobile stores across the country. T-Mobile estimates the total loss caused by Wright and his accomplices is valued at more than $250,000.
Nobles praised the cooperation between the police department and T-Mobile’s Loss Prevention team for bringing Wright to justice. He said the case is still under investigation and more arrests are expected.
How to protect yourself from phone theft
Phone theft is a common crime that can cause significant financial and personal damage to victims. According to Consumer Reports, more than 3 million Americans had their phones stolen in 2020. Here are some tips on how to prevent phone theft and what to do if your phone is stolen:
- Use a strong password or biometric authentication to lock your phone.
- Enable Find My Device or Find My iPhone features on your phone to locate, lock or erase your device remotely.
- Avoid leaving your phone unattended in public places or visible in your car.
- Register your phone with your carrier and keep a record of your IMEI number.
- Report your stolen phone to your carrier and the police as soon as possible.
- Check your credit card or insurance policy for any coverage for phone theft.
