Metropolitan Police seize over 700 suspects in London phone-theft crackdown

In September, Metropolitan Police officers conducted a citywide crackdown that led to 711 arrests for phone snatching, robbery and dealing in stolen property. The operation also uncovered drugs, firearms, cash and more than 110 altered e-bikes, which gangs often use to flee crime scenes. A 21-year-old suspect attempted to escape on an e-bike before jumping into a pond, where he was captured.

Hundreds of stolen handsets were retrieved and handed back to victims, while detectives keep targeting the handlers and organised groups profiting from the trade. Senior police officials have highlighted phone theft as a priority to restore public confidence, noting that the international market for stolen devices generates millions of dollars. The Met continues to warn that criminals are increasingly using social-engineering tactics to access phones and accounts.