Dramatic moment moped thieves swipe phone in City of London

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These dramatic CCTV images have been released by the police to reveal just how quickly criminals can strike.

The videos appear on a new website launched by the City of London force and feature a phone being grabbed by moped muggers, a bag snatcher in a café and pickpockets in a supermarket.

Police hope by putting the footage of the crimes committed in the Square Mile online they can demonstrate how possessions can be protected.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Mark Chapman said: “The crime that we see in the City is largely preventable.

Lightning-fast: Moped muggers snatch a phone
City of London Police

"Opportunist thieves strike when they see an unsecured bike, unattended laptops in a bar or by tailgating their way into your office.”

Police say they have seen an increase in the number of thefts in the City, though they emphasise crime numbers are still low.

A snapshot from December to January this year shows there were thefts of 103 mobile phones, 79 bags, 55 wallets, 48 bikes and 29 laptops. Some 133 of the thefts took place in pubs and wine bars.

Detectives say mobile phones are at the top of a thief’s wish-list. They estimate the 103 phones stolen in two months to be worth about £50,000.

DCI Chapman said: “People just need to be aware of what is happening around them.

"We still see people walking down the street using their phone as a satnav without looking around and even still watching TV on their mobiles.”

He added: “By making small changes, such as not standing close to the kerb while talking on your phone, we can limit the opportunity for thieves to strike.”

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