The City of London Police is carrying out a day of action today (2nd April) against phone theft, which will include new pavement markings in locations in the City where phone snatching has occurred.
As outlined in our Q3 2024 crime update, phone theft is a real problem in Bishopsgate and over 1,000 stolen phones were recovered by the City of London Police in the last two years. However, less than half have been returned because the owner could not be located.
The City Police is aiming to reduce the prevalence of phone snatching and related crimes in targeted areas by raising public awareness, deterring criminal activity, and providing resources for people to protect their property and personal information.
Activity includes:
- The City Police Cycle team seizing illegal e-bikes and e-scooters that are used for criminal activities, including phone snatching.
- Street markings at locations in the City where phone snatching has occurred, alerting the public that a crime took place there. These markings (image below) are designed to raise awareness and make potential criminals aware that the area is under active surveillance.
- Phone Marking and registration at locations offering phone owners the opportunity to have their phones marked with a unique identifier that connects the device to a police database. This can help police identify stolen phones more easily in the event they are recovered.
- Providing educational materials and on hand tips to help members of the public on preventing identity theft and fraudulent use of their personal and banking information following their phone being stolen.
Do look out for the Officers on patrol today and do pop over and say hello.
