The Metropolitan Police have launched a significant operation against phone snatching in London, resulting in the arrest of 230 individuals and the recovery of over 1,000 mobile devices within just one week.
Additionally, authorities reported that a group convicted of managing more than 5,000 stolen phones has been sentenced collectively to 18 years in prison.
London Police Tackles Phone Snatching
According to BBC News, law enforcement utilized a combination of phone tracking technology and unmarked officers in identified crime hotspots to apprehend the offenders.
A crackdown on the “industrial-scale” crime of mobile phone theft across London has led to the arrest of 230 individuals by the Metropolitan Police within the last week. In its effort to combat the “epidemic of mobile phone crime,” the police reported seizing over 1,000 devices.
The police indicated that their efforts have been “intensified” to address the £50 million per year illicit trade in stolen phones throughout the city, targeting those involved in theft, handling, and distribution.
The predominant method used by smartphone thieves involves riding stolen scooters or electric bikes in search of individuals using their phones in public. They approach their victims from behind on sidewalks to snatch the devices.
Initially, safety issues prompted police to stop pursuing scooter riders when the risks to the individuals were considered too high. However, due to public pressure, the policy was revised, allowing officers to continue pursuits and employ “tactical contact” to dismount them.
View a few instances of this approach here:
Apple’s introduction of Activation Lock back in 2013 contributed to a notable decrease in iPhone thefts in various cities, although its effect varied as devices could still be taken for parts.
The subsequent launch of parts pairing further deterred theft, but it became highly controversial due to complications with DIY repairs. Apple later addressed this with a method for “blessing” replacement parts.
Image: Metropolitan Police
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