October 5th 2024.
Metro recently had a conversation with Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, who heads the Metropolitan Police's phone robbery squad. According to him, phone snatchers should be treated just as firmly and swiftly as rioters were during the summer. He believes that this will deter thefts and bring justice to victims.
Detective Hussain emphasized the need for swift action in cases of phone snatching. He stated that the number of people participating in riots significantly decreased after rioters started receiving prison sentences. He added, "We need justice for victims of phone snatching. However, it becomes difficult to keep them engaged when it takes a year just to get the defendant into court."
Last year, more than 52,000 phones were reported stolen in London, with the City of Westminster being the worst-hit borough with 18,863 incidents. Camden, Southwark, Hackney, Newham, Lambeth, and Islington were also among the most affected areas. These numbers accounted for more than half of all reported phone thefts in England and Wales.
On the other hand, those involved in far-right riots across the UK, including in London, received year-long sentences within weeks. Detective Hussain admitted that the Met needs to do more to identify and catch phone thieves, especially since some victims try to track down their devices themselves. He mentioned Akara Etteh, who went to two different locations to find his phone out of adrenaline and anger. Etteh said, "It was pretty risky. The phone is expensive, and we work hard to earn that money. It's frustrating when someone else just takes it away."
The detective also shared that they are beginning to see patterns in phone thefts, with areas having good transportation links being the hotspots. He also noted that the opening of the Elizabeth Line has led to an increase in thefts in nearby areas. However, he believes that phone companies can also play a crucial role in preventing thefts by making it impossible to re-register mobile phones and ensuring that tracking apps are more accurate and reliable.
In conclusion, Detective Hussain believes that treating phone thieves with the same severity as rioters will deter thefts and bring justice to victims. He also hopes for more cooperation from phone companies to prevent these crimes. You can stay updated with the latest news from the capital by visiting The Agency's London news hub.
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