Extra phone security with a single swipe.

Two Suspects have been remanded in custody following the snatch theft of a Victim’s mobile phone in Balham. After stealing the device, the Suspects used it to fraudulently obtain a further £120,000 from the Victim before embarking on a spending spree across London.

However, proactive Metropolitan Police officers were ready and waiting. Both Suspects were caught red‑handed, swiftly arrested, processed, and charged with multiple offences.

The Metropolitan Police Service remains firmly committed to identifying and apprehending those who commit crime. We will continue to use all available resources to protect the public and bring offenders to justice.

Phone thieves don’t just want your phone; they want access to your bank accounts, documents and identity.

But by taking a few simple actions, you can slow down the thieves and add an extra level of security to your device, all in under 30 seconds.

Whichever phone you use, it is quick and easy to activate your phone’s in-built anti-theft protection.

For iPhone users, Stolen Device Protection provides an additional level of security when someone tries to access sensitive features or settings from an unfamiliar location by requiring Face ID.

Android users should enable Theft Detection Lock which uses sensors to detect motion patterns that suggest theft (like sudden snatching) and can lock your device immediately.

See more crime prevention advice about this at https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/campaigns/2025/be-switched-on/