Officers crack down on London-wide organised phone thefts

Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officers raided multiple addresses and arrested four men, seizing 100 stolen phones and recovering thousands of pounds in assets and cash linked to fraudulent activity.

Officers used tracking data provided by the victims to narrow down the locations of the stolen devices and the addresses where they were held.

Working in collaboration with the British Transport Police, UK Border Agency and the MPS’s dog unit, officers raided three addresses and discovered mobile phones and evidence of multiple false identities, which were used to set up fake bank accounts.

“Robberies have a significant impact on victims, leaving them with long-term implications such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder,” said the MPS.

“By dismantling and disrupting organised gangs and networks through swift police action we aim to see a reduction in the number of phone thefts and robberies across London.”

PC Ciara Larkin-Smith from Central South Command Unit said: “We want today’s arrests to be a deterrent to phone thefts and robberies across London and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to ensure that individuals that commit these crimes are brought to justice.

“Our investigation saw the recovery of approximately 100 stolen mobile phones and thousands worth in assets and cash, which had been gained by the suspects as a result of fraud.

“Tackling neighbourhood crime and serious violence will remain a priority for the Met. Through dedicated proactive police operations and an increase in officers in local theft and robbery hotspots, we hope to see a huge reduction in the number of offences that occur within London.

“It is important that these crimes are reported as soon as it happens as this it is crucial in helping officers catch those responsible and making communities and London a safer place.”