In under three months, a total of 45 mobile phones have been reported stolen in Greenwich Town Centre after being snatched from the street by people riding bikes and mopeds.  

Most of the thefts have happened at rush hour, from 8:00am and 19:00pm, when victims are commuting to and from work and school with women three times more likely to be targeted than men. 

Police in Greenwich Town Centre have put extra patrols in place to ensure that everyone can enjoy the festive season without fear of crime or anti-social behaviour. Thieves beware - officers and plain clothes detectives will patrol hot-spot locations at random times to prevent further mobile phone thefts.  

Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement said:  “We urge our residents and visitors to be vigilant at all times, especially when you are commuting to work and school, and if you are near the Town centre or waiting at train and bus stations.” 

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police Service said:  

“The police treats all crime seriously and we would like to reassure the public that the situation is being monitored and assessed daily. Both uniformed and plain clothes officers will be deployed to the location at random times, with a view to preventing these thefts, whilst bringing offenders to justice.  

“I would ask the public to remain vigilant and look out for individuals, particularly on pedal bikes, who may target people on their phones. Remember to look up, look out.” 

If you would like to contact police about this particular issue, then please dial 101. In an emergency always call 999. If you wish to provide anonymous information, then contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.