"The Metropolitan Police's newly appointed lead on phone theft says its work in tackling the crime has not been "good enough". Just over 1% of phone thefts in London result in a charge or conviction, according to the force's data, compared with 11% for robberies. London Assembly member Neil Garratt urged more to be done to tackle the issue of phone theft, which he compared to an "epidemic" in the city."
"Appointed two months ago to focus on phone theft at the Met, Cdr Andy Featherstone said the force's revised strategy, which involves targeting organised crime, was making a difference. Cdr Featherstone said the issue of phone thefts had been an "outlier" for the Met. "But the bottom line is that isn't good enough," he said. "The public deserve better.""
""Our serious crime directorate has been involved in these operations, which they wouldn't normally be. They would normally be involved in firearms offences, drug importation, et cetera." He said the involvement of the directorate signalled how "seriously" phone theft was now being taken, adding: "We're putting our very best resources and assets pointed at this crime type.""
The Metropolitan Police acknowledges its work on phone theft has not been good enough. Just over 1% of phone thefts in London result in a charge or conviction, compared with 11% for robberies. A London Assembly member called for increased action, describing phone theft as an epidemic. Cdr Andy Featherstone was appointed two months ago to focus on phone theft and says a revised strategy targeting organised crime is producing results. The force recently made 18 arrests and seized 2,000 handsets in an operation the Met described as the UK's largest against phone thefts. The Met estimates those suspects may account for about 40% of thefts. A victim in Hackney said his phone was stolen by a group of four while it was unlocked and described the experience as unbelievable.
Read at www.bbc.com
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