OPERATION SWIPE: COMBATTING PHONE THEFT

PHONE MARKING SESSIONS WITH THE CITY OF LONDON POLICE AND CITY BIDS

The five City of London Business Improvement Districts, alongside the City Business Partnership, have partnered with the City of London Police to run free phone marking events to help combat the increase in mobile phone theft.

To make stolen phones traceable and strengthen the criminal case against thieves when arrested, these discreet and unique stickers help police to quickly identify and return stolen phones to victims when recovered.  Police are also encouraging people to set up a medical contact on their phone, enabling someone access to next-of-kin details when the phone is locked which will ensure it gets returned to its lawful owner.

The police are making inroads into tackling the issue, with mobile thefts down 30% alone in the City this year. However, from over 1000 stolen phones recovered by the City of London Police in the last two years, less than half have been returned because the owner couldn’t be located.

Known as Operation Swipe, various pop-up events will be taking place across the City over the coming months, to find one near you visit the City of London Police website.

Supported by the Fleet Street Quarter BID, you can head down to City Thameslink station on Thursday 12th June 4pm-6pm, and Blackfriars station on Thursday 17th July 12pm-2pm on to get your phone marked.