9 Investigates: CMPD fights growing trend of stolen cellphones

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Cellphone thefts are a huge problem in uptown Charlotte.

Police had nearly 400 reports of stolen phones in 2014, which is why they're going undercover to stop thieves.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers with the Central Division allowed Channel 9 anchor Allison Latos along on a sting operation that ended with an arrest that stunned even the officers. The operation lasted two days.

More undercover officers are spending time on the light rail or uptown at night.

They plant a bait phone in real life situations like on an empty light rail seat, or in an open purse, to see if thieves will strike.

Eyewitness News watched as one crime unfolded at the Epicentre and it shocked even the police.

From the second level, Channel 9 watched two undercover officers sitting near tables with the bait phone inside a purse nearby.

Alylison Alexander and her friends discovered the purse and she turned it over to a security guard.

"If you didn't earn it, it's not yours to take," Alexander said.

When police got the purse back, they realized the bait phone was gone.

Officers tracked down the security guard and put him in handcuffs.

"Put your hands behind your back," Sgt. George Mentavlos said. "I'm detaining you until I figure out what's going on."

Because the bait phone has GPS, police can pinpoint its location. It led to the loading dock area in the Epicentre basement, where officers turned on the phone's alarm.

Eyewitness News and officers followed the sound and police discovered the bait phone hidden under a piece of machinery.

Latos questioned the security guard, Elijah Roland, as he sat handcuffed in the back of the police car.

"Did you take the phone?" Latos asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Rolland said. "I wasn't thinking. I should have been thinking about my job instead of quick money."

"But you were employed as a security guard," Latos said.

"I know, man," said Roland. "I know, man."

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Epicentre security told Channel 9 that Roland had worked there for three months.

He is facing a misdemeanor larceny charge.

During the two-day operation, Channel 9 also watched several people do the right thing.

Good Samaritan Albert Brantley warned a woman her phone could be stolen.

He was shocked to hear she's actually an officer.

"Someone could easily, come by and scoop it right on up," Brantley said.

Police hope people heed that warning and better protect their property.

For thieves looking to swipe cellphones for cash, they said the next one could be a bait phone.

Eyewitness News reached out to the company in charge of Epicentre security.

Angela Burrell, Universal Protection Service public relations manager, released the following statement:

"Universal Protection Service is aware of the recent incident in which a security professional was suspected of violating the law. In accordance with state law, Universal conducted the required background check prior to hiring the security officer, and neither this check nor his behavioral assessment revealed any concerns.
"Upon learning of the incident and subsequent arrest, Universal immediately terminated the employee. His alleged conduct not only breaks the law, but violates Universal's code of ethics. Moreover, it is not reflective of the professionalism and standards Universal expects of its employees. 
"The company is reinforcing the importance of public safety, officer integrity, and focus on policies with regard to on-duty conduct, work performance standards and professionalism."

Since CMPD started the bait phone operation in uptown in March, they have seen a 7 percent reduction in cellphone thefts.

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