The analysis of mobile phone thefts in London's West End reveals that Oxford Street saw the highest number of incidents, with 6,539 reports in 2024. Regent Street followed with 2,002 thefts. Several other streets, including Shaftsbury Avenue and Charing Cross Road, also experienced significant thefts. A recent Metropolitan Police initiative resulted in 292 arrests, yet concerns remain about the effectiveness of law enforcement. Ex-Met Detective Chief Inspector Mick Neville urges for increased police presence and better use of CCTV footage to address the ongoing issue of phone snatching in these areas.
Oxford Street, Europe's busiest shopping precinct, topped the list with 6,539 reports last year, nearly 18 a day. Regent Street was next with 2,002 thefts.
A recent Met crackdown deploying targeted patrols and plain-clothed officers in hotspot areas led to 292 arrests in just two weeks.
Ex-Met Detective Chief Inspector Mick Neville stated that criminals must be laughing at the law, as only one percent of thefts are solved.
Each of the 30 streets must have hundreds of CCTV cameras to gather images and link offenders to multiple offenses.
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