An Alton dental receptionist has put out a warning after a man, professing to be an Italian decorator, stole her iPhone from her desk.

The receptionist at Alton Dental Market Square practice in Lenten Street was taking down the man’s telephone number at the desk when he lent over and slid the phone beneath a sheet of paper before removing it and leaving the office.

The man is thought to be in his mid 30’s, around 5ft 8in and with receding dark hairline. He was wearing a black jacket and jeans.

The phone is rose gold in a black marble holder.

The incident was captured on CCTV. The police have been informed and the the phone blocked.

Similar incidents featuring this man have been reported in Aldershot and Guildford.