A juvenile suspect involved in a mobile phone theft was located and captured by police using a helicopter, leading to the retrieval of 16 stolen devices.
According to the Metropolitan Police, authorities also confiscated £1,000 in cash, an illicitly acquired e-bike, and cannabis after following the 16-year-old to a location in Belsize Park, north London. This pursuit was initiated after a report of theft in Euston earlier in the week.
The suspect has been released on bail as investigations continue.
This incident comes on the heels of a recent Metropolitan Police operation where they recovered 1,000 stolen smartphones within a single week.
The crackdown, focused on suspected phone thieves and those linked to the distribution of stolen devices, was carried out in various areas of the capital to address the ongoing issue of mobile phone theft.
The Met stated that tracking data and other intelligence-gathering methods were employed to identify the suspects.
In relation to the recent apprehension, Inspector John Wilde remarked that the police are “continually gathering intelligence, connecting incidents, and striving to identify those responsible.”
“The use of these strategies, among others, is leading to significant outcomes such as recovering stolen property and drugs, as well as arresting individuals we believe are committing crimes.”
The police force has urged technology companies to aid in combating smartphone theft, a sentiment echoed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper during a summit on Thursday.
