London police admit poor handling of phone thefts, with under 1% of cases leading to charges, prompting a major crackdown.

London’s Metropolitan Police acknowledges its response to phone theft is inadequate, with less than 1% of cases resulting in charges, far below the robbery conviction rate. Organized crime groups are driving thefts due to high resale value—phones can sell for up to £4,000 in markets like China. In a major operation, the Met made 18 arrests and seized 2,000 phones, calling it the UK’s largest such effort. The Serious Crime Directorate is now involved, signaling a shift in focus. Victims report losing tens of thousands in digital assets. London Assembly member Neil Garratt criticized Mayor Sadiq Khan for lack of leadership, though the mayor’s office says he fully supports the Met’s intensified efforts.