Met deploys drones and ebikes to help catch adolescent phone thieves

The Metropolitan Police in London is deploying drones and ebikes to combat a rise in phone thefts, particularly targeting gangs recruiting children via Snapchat. These gangs offer cash rewards, up to £380 for the latest iPhones, enticing young people to steal phones before school. The stolen phones, especially iPhones, are believed to be easily reactivated and shipped overseas for resale in markets like the Gulf and China. While phone thefts in London have decreased by 12% in the last year, the Met is urging technology companies, especially Apple, to improve phone security and prevent reactivation after theft. Commissioner Mark Rowley is also calling on the courts to stop bailing repeat offenders, who often return to stealing phones immediately after release.

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