London Police Arrest 230, Seize 1,000 Phones in Theft Crackdown

A recent crackdown by the Metropolitan Police in London has led to the arrest of 230 individuals and the seizure of over 1,000 stolen phones in just one week, as part of efforts to combat the £50 million-a-year phone theft crisis. The operation targeted hotspots like the West End and Westminster, where nearly 40% of phone thefts occur, utilizing plain-clothed officers and phone-tracking technology. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is set to chair a summit addressing smartphone thefts, emphasizing the need for improved security measures to prevent the resale of stolen devices. The police's intensified actions follow the sentencing of a gang involved in handling over 5,000 stolen phones, highlighting the scale of the problem. Local residents have expressed concerns about their safety, with victims sharing their experiences of theft and the subsequent police response. The Met is seeking collaboration with industry partners to enhance measures against this growing criminal activity.