Madison Police arrested a man and a woman Wednesday suspected of stealing at least two smart phones from customers at State Street Brats in July, and possibly other personal belongings from several other bar patrons earlier in the summer, according to an incident report.
Police arrested Rodney Harris, 26, and Angelena Birt, 21, on several charges, including theft. Upon arrest, one suspect reportedly commented, “you can do it really fast, right in front of people and they don’t even know it,” according to the release.
One of the victims told police his cell phone was lifted from the back pocket of his pants July 21 at State Street Brats, Madison Police Department spokesperson Joel DeSpain said in the release. Another woman reported a theft the same night at the same bar, located at 603 State St., during which a man allegedly grabbed her phone out of her wristlet-style purse.
DeSpain said police suspect Harris and Birt may also be responsible for the swiping of wallets and purses from patrons at other downtown drinking establishments.
Investigators used a bar surveillance video to identify Harris and Birt, according to the release.
DeSpain said officers are looking for more suspects based on a comment one of the defendants made in reference to multiple accomplices.
