A phone is stolen in London almost every seven to eight minutes, according to figures from the Metropolitan Police, highlighting the scale of a crime that has become routine across the capital’s busiest streets.
In response, officers are turning to new technology — deploying drones, electric bikes and live facial recognition — in a bid to outpace increasingly agile thieves who often operate on fast electric motorbikes and work for organised crime gangs.
Between 2017 and February 2024, nearly 587,500 phones were stolen across London, excluding the City district. Of those, just under 14,000 were recovered, a recovery rate that senior officers admit is far too low.
While the latest figures show improvement, the challenge remains daunting. Recorded mobile phone thefts fell to 71,391 last year from 81,365 the year before, a 12% decline. Police say targeted operations are starting to disrupt the networks behind the crimes.
Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said drones are now acting as the force’s “eyes in the sky,” providing live aerial footage to control rooms during emergency calls. The technology allows officers to track suspects weaving through traffic or escaping down narrow alleys.
“Using drones means we can often identify snatchers even before they know we’re on them,” Twist explained. “It gives us a tactical advantage we simply didn’t have before.”
Alongside aerial surveillance, officers have adopted Sur-Ron electric bikes to pursue offenders. The decision followed a shift in criminal tactics, with thieves abandoning mopeds for lighter, more nimble electric machines capable of cutting through footpaths and off-road routes.
Sergeant Ryan Perry said the bikes have transformed frontline response. “We had very few tactical options before. They could disappear through tight gaps or pedestrian areas. Now we can keep up with them,” he said.
Police believe the bikes also serve as a deterrent. Spotters used by gangs often scout areas for patrols, and visible Sur-Ron units appear to discourage would-be offenders from operating nearby.
Operations are no longer limited to central hotspots. When officers focus on the West End, they simultaneously cover areas such as Camden High Street, Islington and neighbourhoods south of the river to prevent displacement.
The force plans to add 20 more electric bikes to its fleet in the coming months.
During a recent four-week crackdown, local teams worked alongside specialist detectives to target the crime at three levels: street thieves, handlers who collect stolen devices, and organised networks exporting phones overseas.
According to Scotland Yard, one gang investigation led to 32 arrests and 24 charges. Officers recovered more than 1,000 phones and 200 laptops.
In another case, a suspect linked to 20 “table surfing” incidents — where thieves distract customers and swipe phones from café tables — was arrested with 39 stolen devices found at his home.
Yet officers say the job remains stacked against them. PC Matt Murrant, part of an interceptors team, described how delays between a theft and police notification often give suspects a crucial head start.
“By the time we get the call, they could be anywhere,” he said.
High-speed pursuits pose further risks. One chase along Oxford Street saw a suspect riding at 60 to 70 miles per hour through crowds. Officers ultimately terminated the pursuit due to public safety concerns.
In another incident near Lambeth Bridge, police stopped a rider after an hour-long spree. Divers later recovered a stolen phone from the River Thames.
Tourists and commuters remain easy targets, often distracted by maps or headphones while walking. Officers warn that simple awareness — keeping phones out of sight and staying alert — can reduce risk.
The borough of Westminster continues to record the highest number of offences, though theft-from-person cases there dropped 25% year-on-year. Still, December alone saw nearly 1,900 reports, with only a handful resulting in charges.
Police leaders acknowledge the frustration among victims but insist new tactics are beginning to turn the tide. For now, drones in the air and electric bikes on the streets represent their latest attempt to keep pace with a fast-evolving crime.
