Would-be perfume thief leaves his phone at the crime scene

A shoplifter who allegedly tried to steal two packs of perfume in Germersheim left police an immediate lead when he fled without his mobile phone.

Police said the man triggered the store’s security alarm on Saturday and ran away after an employee noticed him. He abandoned a paper bag containing the suspected stolen goods and personal items, including his phone.

The man did not get far. Officers found him shortly afterward drinking beer in the parking lot of a nearby supermarket. A breath test showed more than two parts per thousand of alcohol, according to police.

Authorities opened criminal proceedings against him on suspicion of theft.