Crackdown on phone thefts in south east London sees three sentenced
Three individuals have been sentenced following a Met Police crackdown on mobile phone thefts in south east London, part of the force’s ongoing efforts to tackle phone-related crime across the capital.
A man and two teenage boys were convicted for their involvement in 35 separate thefts that occurred in Bermondsey and Greenwich. Their actions resulted in the theft of 32 mobile phones, with a total estimated value of over £20,000. Thanks to the swift actions of local officers, 30 of these phones were successfully recovered and returned to their rightful owners.
The crackdown, launched in 2023, focused on the trio, who used electric motorbikes to target victims in busy public areas. They aggressively rode their bikes on pavements, often at high speeds, creating a frightening atmosphere and leaving little opportunity for victims to escape or defend themselves.
Kie Joyce, 21, from Neckinger Estate, SE16, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for conspiracy to steal and multiple counts of dangerous driving. Two 16-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also received sentences. One was given a six-month term at the Old Bailey for similar offences, while the other received a nine-month youth rehabilitation order, curfew requirements, and ordered to pay £425 in compensation.
This case, the Met says, highlights its commitment to addressing phone theft, an issue which has been of significant concern to local communities. As part of the ‘A New Met for London’ plan, the force is focusing on community policing, increasing patrols in high-risk areas and using technology such as CCTV to identify and apprehend offenders in real-time.
“We understand the devastating impact phone theft has on victims, and we are dedicated to tackling this issue through both proactive policing and collaboration with phone manufacturers,” Commander Owain Richards, leading the Met’s efforts against phone thefts, said.
Victims of phone theft are urged to report incidents promptly, enabling officers to investigate quickly and effectively. For emergencies, call 999; for non-urgent matters, call 101 or report online.
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