A rapid response by police to a spree of mobile phone thefts ended with two arrests and a machete taken off the streets.
Police were quickly on scene as reports came in of phones being stolen from a number of people in the Eastside park area of Greenwich at around 11:30hrs on Sunday, 28 January.
Similar calls were received about more incidents between Deptford and the O2.
Using data and quick time intelligence to link the pattern, officers were dispatched and quickly on scene.
They thoroughly searched the area and two teenagers, aged 14 and 15, were arrested on suspicion of theft and possession of an offensive weapon. Victims reported the pair snatched phones from their hands while on e-bikes.
Seven mobile phones and one machete were recovered.
Three of the phones have been returned to their rightful owners and work is ongoing to trace the owners of the remaining phones.
Superintendent Jim Corbett, who leads on emergency response across south east London, said: “We know theft is a big worry for people, and it is frightening to have something snatched from you.
“As soon as we started getting the calls officers responded. They quickly identified suspects who were arrested and a number of mobile phones – and a machete – were recovered.
“We will continue our work to crack down on this type of crime which has a significant impact on victims.”
Both the teenagers were bailed in relation to the thefts, pending further enquires.
The 14-year-old boy was charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Youth Court on Tuesday, 30 January.
