LONDON, UK—The Metropolitan Police (Met Police) in London has launched a major crackdown against individuals involved in phone snatching and street robberies using high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters. The action is a direct response to the escalating use of these vehicles in crime, posing a significant threat to public safety in urban centers.
According to figures released by the Met Police, over 2,500 e-bikes and e-scooters that were being used in criminal activities were seized last year. The severity of the crime wave is highlighted by the statistics: London reported 80,500 incidents of phone snatching in 2024 alone, a sharp increase from 65,000 incidents in 2023. E-bike riders are notorious for their ability to snatch phones and escape within moments.
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley articulated the strategy, stating the police are focusing on “depriving criminals of the e-bikes and e-scooters used criminally.” He emphasized that stopping phone snatching and robberies is the police force’s top priority. Rowley asserted, “We will pursue those involved in these robberies and organized crime,” confirming that police officers have been provided with specialized bikes to effectively prevent robbers from escaping at high speeds.
Encouragingly, the latest data shows that between April 1 and October 22, there was a decrease in thefts and robberies by 16.6% and 13.5% respectively, suggesting the crackdown is beginning to yield results.
Nero Patel, Neighbourhood Policing Commander for the Met Police, expressed concern over the sheer volume of e-bike phone snatches. He announced that the police will now also target non-compliant e-bike riders engaging in anti-social behavior, such as riding on footpaths or running red lights, noting that high-speed e-bike usage poses a risk not only to the public but also to the riders themselves.
