New figures from London’s Metropolitan Police Force have shown that despite a rise in the number of mobile phone thefts in some London Boroughs in 2012, only 56 people were prosecuted for mobile phone theft.
The figures – obtained under a Freedom of Information request – also show that across London the prosecution rate for all mobile thefts reported is just 3.76%.
Mobile phone theft is also rising in areas of London considered wealthy – including Islington in north London and Westminster.
Mobile phone theft in Hackney – the borough next to Islington – has also increased according to the figures.
The London Borough of Islington now has a large student population and the rate of mobile phone thefts have more than doubled in just one year to 2,452 in 2012.
Neighbouring borough Hackney has also seen an increase in just one year, from 951 mobile phone thefts in 2011 to 1,409 in 2012.
The central London borough Westminster saw the highest number of annual mobile phone thefts in the capital with 3,313 cases in 2012.
Croydon recorded 547 mobile phone thefts in 2012 – but only 18 prosecutions resulted.
Bexley had the lowest number of mobile phone thefts in the capital, with 79 in 2012. Police prosecuted just three cases of mobile phone theft in Bexley, however.
The Met Police said that identifying mobile phone thieves was difficult although the force deployed a range of measures to apprehend suspects.
Many incidences of mobile phone theft take place when a victim is occupied at a cash point or is talking on the mobile phone – thieves often use bicycles and motorbikes to grab the phones at speed from victims, although some incidences of mobile phone theft may involve use of force or even violence.
The Met Police initiative Operation Ringtone targets hotspots for mobile phone thefts, working in partnership with the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said:
“The theft of mobile phones is often opportunistic and due to the circumstances and speed of the incidents, often victims are unable to describe or recognise the offenders.
“Operation Ringtone is the Met’s drive to reduce mobile phone theft and involves officers working in partnership with the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit, targeting theft hotspots with increased patrols.”
Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors can advise those charged with mobile phone theft or facing charges of mobile phone theft.
Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors are available 24/7 365 days a year and regularly visit police stations, courts and prisons.
For expert advice on criminal law and theft charges call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 020 7923 4020.
For out-of-hours criminal law advice and representation call the Duncan Lewis Criminal Solicitors Out-of-Hours Hotline on 07920 077057.