Four arrested after phones and cash seized in Lambeth and Southwark

On Monday, February 26, officers from Lambeth and Southwark ran an operation to crack down on personal robbery and theft.

Using tracking data provided by victims, police narrowed down the locations of the stolen phones and the addresses to where they were held.

Working with the British Transport Police, UK Border Agency, and the Met’s dog unit, officers raided three homes where they discovered mobile phones.

They also found evidence of multiple false identities which were reportedly used to set up fake bank accounts.

PC Ciara Larkin-Smith from Central South Command Unit said: “We want today’s arrests to be a deterrent to phone thefts and robberies across London and we will continue to work with our partners and communities to ensure that individuals that commit these crimes are brought to justice.

“Our investigation saw the recovery of approximately 100 stolen mobile phones and thousands worth in assets and cash, which had been gained by the suspects as a result of fraud.

“Tackling neighbourhood crime and serious violence will remain a priority for the Met. Through dedicated proactive police operations and an increase in officers in local theft and robbery hotspots, we hope to see a huge reduction in the number of offences that occur within London.

“It is important that these crimes are reported as soon as it happens as this it is crucial in helping officers catch those responsible and making communities and London a safer place.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “Met officers raided multiple addresses and arrested four men, seizing 100 stolen phones, and recovering thousands in assets and cash linked to fraudulent activity today (Monday 26 February).

“Officers from the proactive crime team in Lambeth and Southwark ran a diligent operation to crack down on personal robbery and theft.

“Officers used tracking data provided by the victims to narrow down the locations of the stolen devices and the addresses to where they were held.

“Working in collaboration with the British Transport Police, UK Border Agency, and the Met’s dog unit, officers raided three addresses and discovered mobile phones and evidence of multiple false identities which were used to set up fake bank accounts.

“As part of the New Met for London Plan, localised proactive teams were set up to deal with crimes affecting each particular area. This localised approach has seen successes in the Lambeth and Southwark area.

“Officers will continue to offer advice to communities as they crackdown on robbery and theft, and people are advised to look at the Met’s website which includes steps to help prevent people from becoming a victim of crime and what to do following a theft or robbery.”