The Metropolitan Police force has blamed expensive mobile gadgets such as smartphones and iPads for a surge in street crime.
According to official figures, there were 31,841 street robberies recorded last year in London – an increase of 8.3% compared to 2009 – during which 13,400 phones were snatched.
“Smart phones and media players are becoming must-have items for many people – that includes criminals too. They simply see these items as cash,” Met Commander Simon Pountain said.
“Many robberies happen when people check their phones just after leaving a transport hub, or when they are going about their business and may be distracted.”
As part of a campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers, the Met is warning people with expensive new gadgets to keep them out of sight when out and about.
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