Met recover 1,000 stolen phones – but victims share the impact on ‘freedom and independence’
The Met Police and the Home Secretary are meeting to discuss stronger measures, but victims tell City London News of the significant impact the crime has on them
The Metropolitan Police has said it has seized over 1,000 stolen mobiles and arresting 230 alleged phone snatchers across London in just a week.
As mobile theft increases, police forces have launched an operation to target individuals stealing, handling and supplying stolen phones during “co-ordinated activity”.
‘It allows me freedom and independence’
James Douglas Lockhart Smith is a Londoner whose phone got stolen.
He told City London News that the episode left him feeling insecure being on the streets of central London:
“I’ve been in London for nearly 10 years, never been mugged or even in a fight.
“A group of young boys came up to me asking me to follow their fashion brand on Insta.
“Without thinking or seeing them as a threat, I took out my phone, unlocked it and boom it was gone.”
Since James Smith had his phone stolen, he’s been concerned for his personal and financial security.
“What really affected me was how much I rely on my phone for daily life and work. Being neurodivergent, it is a tool that allows me freedom and independence.
“On top of that was the secondary stress of them trying to steal money from my accounts.”
Financial insecurity was a major source of concern, after the theft group activity tried to steal thousands off his bank accounts, he says:
“They took £10,000 from my HSBC [account].
“Their plan seemed to transfer the money from my HSBC to my Revolut.
“Fortunately, in my case it didn’t work. Revolut was able to block any movement of money out of the account.”
Tech firms told to do more on phone theft
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is today holding a summit on smartphone theft.
The meeting will focus on the strategies which could be implemented in collaboration with the Met Police to make streets safer.
She said:
“It’s about hot spot policing and targeting and being ready to take swift action. It’s about speeding up the warrants.”
Cooper said she firmly believes in a strong partnership between police forces andtech companies to prevent stolen devices from being easily resold and strengthen security over phones.
Commander Owain Richards, who is leading the Met’s response to phone thefts, said:
“We are seeing phone thefts on an industrial scale, fuelled by criminals making millions by being able to easily sell on stolen devices either here or abroad.”
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HeadlineMet recover 1,000 stolen phones – but victims share the impact on ‘freedom and independence’
Short HeadlineMet recover 1,000 stolen phones in just a week
StandfirstThe Met Police and the Home Secretary are meeting to discuss stronger measures, but victims tell City London News of the significant impact the crime has on them
The Metropolitan Police has said it has seized over 1,000 stolen mobiles and arresting 230 alleged phone snatchers across London in just a week.
As mobile theft increases, police forces have launched an operation to target individuals stealing, handling and supplying stolen phones during “co-ordinated activity”.
‘It allows me freedom and independence’
James Douglas Lockhart Smith is a Londoner whose phone got stolen.
He told City London News that the episode left him feeling insecure being on the streets of central London:
“I’ve been in London for nearly 10 years, never been mugged or even in a fight.
“A group of young boys came up to me asking me to follow their fashion brand on Insta.
“Without thinking or seeing them as a threat, I took out my phone, unlocked it and boom it was gone.”
Since James Smith had his phone stolen, he’s been concerned for his personal and financial security.
“What really affected me was how much I rely on my phone for daily life and work. Being neurodivergent, it is a tool that allows me freedom and independence.
“On top of that was the secondary stress of them trying to steal money from my accounts.”
Financial insecurity was a major source of concern, after the theft group activity tried to steal thousands off his bank accounts, he says:
“They took £10,000 from my HSBC [account].
“Their plan seemed to transfer the money from my HSBC to my Revolut.
“Fortunately, in my case it didn’t work. Revolut was able to block any movement of money out of the account.”
Tech firms told to do more on phone theft
The Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is today holding a summit on smartphone theft.
The meeting will focus on the strategies which could be implemented in collaboration with the Met Police to make streets safer.
She said:
“It’s about hot spot policing and targeting and being ready to take swift action. It’s about speeding up the warrants.”
Cooper said she firmly believes in a strong partnership between police forces andtech companies to prevent stolen devices from being easily resold and strengthen security over phones.
Commander Owain Richards, who is leading the Met’s response to phone thefts, said:
“We are seeing phone thefts on an industrial scale, fuelled by criminals making millions by being able to easily sell on stolen devices either here or abroad.”
