Met Police Chief Urges Courts to Halt Bail for Repeat Phone Thieves
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has issued a strong appeal to the courts, urging them to stop granting bail to individuals who repeatedly steal mobile phones. He argues that such judicial decisions are enabling ongoing criminal activity and undermining efforts to combat phone theft in London.
Call for Enhanced Device Security
In addition to his plea to the courts, Sir Mark has called on phone manufacturers and telecoms companies to implement stricter measures. These would make it significantly harder to reset and resell stolen devices, thereby reducing the incentive for theft. This dual approach targets both the legal and technological aspects of the problem.
London's Phone Theft Statistics
London has experienced a substantial volume of phone thefts over recent years. Between 2017 and February 2024, nearly 600,000 devices were reported stolen. However, recent data indicates a slight reduction in recorded incidents, suggesting that enforcement efforts may be having an impact.
Recent Police Crackdown and Recoveries
In a targeted operation, the Metropolitan Police arrested 248 individuals linked to phone theft. This crackdown led to the recovery of approximately 770 stolen handsets and the seizure of 1,000 mobile phones and 200 laptops that were destined for smuggling. These actions highlight the scale of the issue and the police's commitment to tackling it.
Mayor's Funding and Technological Support
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has proposed £4.5 million in funding to combat phone theft. This includes the establishment of a new command cell dedicated to the issue. Khan also supports the use of advanced technologies by the police, such as drones, e-bikes, and facial recognition, to enhance surveillance and response capabilities.
Sir Mark Rowley's statements underscore the need for a coordinated response involving the judiciary, technology companies, and law enforcement to effectively address the persistent problem of phone theft in the capital.
