Workers in Westminster report daily thefts of phones, primarily targeting tourists who are distracted by taking photos or checking messages. Paul, a local worker, stated, "I see it all the time. I would say every day. It's worst around this touristy part of London - particularly along Westminster Bridge." He emphasized that tourists are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of awareness, and shared an incident where a family was robbed while having their picture taken, showcasing the audacity of the thieves.
Data from Southwark News indicates that Westminster has the highest rate of phone snatching in London, with alarming figures of 22,253 incidents reported in a year, translating to 85.4 thefts per 1,000 residents. Paul highlights the omnipresence of these crime groups, saying, "There are groups of them who are here all the time. The police know about them. Sometimes, they get arrested. But they're back 24 hours later and doing it again." The continuity of this issue underscores the police's struggle to effectively manage it.
Ovye, who works for a bus tour company, mentioned that these phone thefts can happen to anyone, including children, stating, "These criminals target anyone, regardless of age or size. The audacity is shocking; they're brazen in their approach. It's a real concern for both locals and tourists. I see it as not just a theft but as an act that undermines the safety of our community." His perspective reflects the broader implications of this troubling trend.
[
Collection
]
[
|
...
]