• Source:JND
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London crime news:  The Metropolitan Police have successfully dismantled what is being described as the UK’s largest-ever mobile phone theft operation, arresting 46 people and recovering over 2,000 stolen devices. Authorities believe the criminal network smuggled up to 40,000 stolen phones from London to China, marking a major breakthrough in tackling organised mobile theft.

Operation Triggered By A iPhone

The investigation began last December when a victim tracked a stolen iPhone to a warehouse near Heathrow Airport on Christmas Eve. Police discovered nearly 900 stolen devices, predominantly Apple iPhones, all bound for Hong Kong. This initial discovery led to the identification of two Afghan nationals in their 30s, later arrested on charges of handling stolen goods and conspiring to conceal criminal property.

In a dramatic interception, officers stopped the suspects’ vehicle, uncovering dozens of phones wrapped in foil, an attempt to evade detection. Further raids across linked properties recovered an additional 2,000 devices. A 29-year-old Indian national was also charged in connection with the operation.

Street Theft To Global Smuggling

Detective Inspector Mark Gavin, leading Operation Echosteep, said the gang specifically targeted Apple products due to their high resale value abroad. Street-level thieves received up to 300 Pounds per handset, while devices were reportedly sold in China for up to 4,000 Pounds each.

The theft of mobile phones in London has surged dramatically in recent years. Nearly 81,000 phones were stolen in 2024 alone, three times higher than in 2020. Authorities attribute the rise to booming demand for second-hand phones and the profitability of global reselling markets.

Commander Andrew Featherstone, head of tackling phone theft for the Met, urged phone manufacturers to strengthen device security and prevent illegal reuse. “We need coordinated global action to shut down this trade and make stolen devices unusable,” he said. London Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed concerns, highlighting the ease with which criminals profit from stolen phones. “It is simply too easy and profitable for gangs, who make millions by reselling stolen devices abroad,” he said.

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The Met’s operation included dawn raids on 28 properties in London and Hertfordshire. Several suspects, including a Bulgarian national and multiple women, were arrested for theft, handling stolen goods, and conspiracy. Officers also targeted gangs robbing courier vans delivering the latest iPhone 17.

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Despite public criticism over police response times and resource constraints, the Met reports a 13 per cent reduction in personal robbery and a 14 per cent decline in overall thefts this year. Up to 80 additional officers are joining West End policing teams to focus on phone snatching hotspots.