SHOP staff gave chase after a gang of thieves stole mobile phones worth more than £3,000.

The theft happened at lunchtime at the O2 store in Chepstow High Street yesterday (Tuesday, November 28) when raiders ripped three iPhones off the wall.

Two members of staff ran though the town centre after the thieves, with Josh Preece managing to phone police as he gave pursuit.

The chase continued down High Street, through Beaufort Square towards the A48 bridge, over a wall and through the cemetery at St Mary’s Church and into St Ann Street before police arrived on the scene.

Store boss Issiaga Doukoure said it was the fourth theft or attempted theft at the store in the last 15 months.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “At approximately 1.40pm on November 28 we received reports of a theft of mobile phones from a commercial premises on High Street in Chepstow.

“Officers attended the scene and three males were arrested on suspicion of theft. They have since been charged and released on bail until December 19."