Phone snatching: How to avoid it

iphone Moped and bike enabled crime occurs in all areas of London and unfortunately, 'phone-snatching' is common in Bloomsbury. Please be alert if you're using your phone in a public place. We've recently seen increased reports of criminals on mopeds, bikes and electric bicycles carrying out 'snatch thefts', sometimes in groups. Some criminals dress as Deliveroo or other well-known delivery company riders, so victims do not suspect them as they cycle close to them on pavements. Criminals who use mopeds and bikes tend to operate in areas with a high pedestrian footfall. The Bloomsbury area sees a lot of people coming from Kings Cross/St Pancras/Euston heading to the West End and vice versa; there is also huge footfall of tourists as well as a high density of students around areas such as Gordon Street. If you're using your phone around these areas - including outside buildings such as Bidborough House and Bentham House - please remain vigilant.