This year, the Metropolitan Police have confiscated 2,500 e-bikes and e-scooters as part of an initiative to combat criminals who are using these high-speed vehicles to steal mobile phones and carry out robberies.

In 2024, the police recorded over 80,500 incidents of mobile phone thefts and robberies, an increase from nearly 65,000 in the previous year.

Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated that by removing e-bikes and e-scooters employed in criminal activities in London, they are effectively “taking the bikes away from the threatening individuals who operate them.”

According to the latest data from the Met regarding personal theft and robbery, there was a reduction of 16.6% in theft from a person and 13.5% in personal robberies from April 1 to October 22, 2025.

Among the victims of phone theft is Amah, who recounted that his phone was snatched by an individual on an e-bike near Moorgate station in March.

“It happened in a matter of seconds,” he explained. “I was taken aback; they approached me on the pavement and accelerated past me.”

Amah proceeded to a nearby police station at Liverpool Street, where he encountered a woman at the front desk who had also fallen victim to theft.

“Her phone was taken just 200 meters ahead of me on the same street, meaning she was reporting a similar incident,” he noted.

Another victim, David, described how a man on an e-bike seized his phone from his hand just outside King’s Cross Station in September.

“I had never experienced having my phone stolen before, but it’s a significant loss,” he said. “It includes photos not backed up, the financial implications, and all the inconvenience involved.”

David added that the officers who responded told him that “20 phones are stolen during each shift.” He was able to track his phone’s location to a £9 million property in east London and provided the Met with the information.

“I doubt it’s just my phone in that residence. I couldn’t help but wonder, ‘Why is this not being investigated on the spot?'” he remarked.

Sir Mark emphasized that addressing phone thefts and robberies is a key objective for the police.

“We are making substantial headway,” he said. “We are pursuing the criminals, have acquired specialized bikes for officer pursuits, and are targeting both handlers and organized crime.”

Commander Neerav Patel, who oversees neighborhood policing at the Met, mentioned that the number of phone snatchers on e-bikes is “worrisome,” labeling these thefts as one of the “most malevolent uses” of e-bikes.

He added that the force also aims to address anti-social e-bike riding behaviors, including riding on sidewalks and disobeying traffic signals.

“[These actions present] a risk to themselves and innocent members of the public,” he stated.