London Police Crack Down on Phone Thieves, Record 84% Decrease in Three Months

The Metropolitan Police Department has launched a targeted operation in south west London, tackling theft and robbery hotspots. As part of the Home Office's Safer Summer Streets campaign, Met officers arrested six members of an organised phone snatching gang between the ages of 17 and 19 years old. The operation, known as 'Roar', has involved over 90 officers and local partners, making a total of 20 arrests to date, including seven members of another organised group of phone snatchers. The crackdown has resulted in crime dropping in each area by significant percentages.

Key Takeaways:

• The 'Roar' operation, launched in May 2025, has resulted in an 84 per cent decrease in theft and robbery over three months in south west London.
• Six members of an organised phone snatching gang were arrested between the ages of 17 and 19 years old, with several suspected stolen handsets, a motorbike, a Rambo knife, and drugs seized.
• The operation involved over 90 officers and local partners, including local council anti-social behaviour officers, and has made a total of 20 arrests to date.
• Crime has dropped in each area where the gang operated, with significant reductions in robbery and snatch thefts.
• Inspector Rich Nuttall, leading neighbourhood policing in Battersea, emphasized the importance of targeting crime that matters most to the local community.

Statistics:

• 84% decrease in theft and robbery over three months in south west London
• 72% reduction in Robbery by ward: Nine Elms
• 46% reduction in Robbery by ward: Battersea Park
• 45% reduction in Robbery by ward: Shaftesbury and Queens Town
• 36% reduction in Snatch thefts by ward: Nine Elms
• 31% reduction in Snatch thefts by ward: Battersea Park
• 32% reduction in Snatch thefts by ward: Shaftesbury and Queens Town
• 1,376 arrests in the 20 hotspot areas across London between 30 June and 10 August
• 176% increase in cases solved in the 20 hotspot areas across London between 30 June and 10 August

Sources:

• Metropolitan Police Department
• Home Office
• Mayor of London