Street cleaners confront moped-riding thieves in SE16

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Greenland Dock

Southwark Council has issued this safety advice in response to the growing problem of mobile phones and other valuables being stolen by thieves on mopeds:

Last week Southwark Council street cleaners confronted a pair of thieves on a moped who had just snatched valuables from a woman on the street around Greenland Dock, Rotherhithe.

The council and police are aware of a number of incidents like this in the area and are working to crack down on people using stolen scooters and mopeds.

Cllr Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for communities, safety and leisure, said: “Southwark Council is working closely with police to crack down on these despicable thefts, and we are very proud of our staff members who went above and beyond their duty to help try and catch these thieves. We would ask all our residents to remain vigilant and report any incidents like this to the police.”

Residents can also follow some simple advice to prevent becoming targets for these kinds of thieves:

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep your personal property secure.
  • Don’t text while you’re walking – you won’t notice potential thieves approaching.
  • Use the security features on your phone.
  • Try going hands free or stand away from the roadside close to a wall so no one can come up behind you.
  • Your phone comes with a range of security features, such as keypad locks and remote data wiping. Make sure they are all activated to stop thieves from accessing your phone and personal data.
  • Know how to identify your phone if it’s stolen. Find your IMEI number by dialling *#06# from your phone and keep a written note of it. If the phone is stolen, report it to the police and your mobile provider to stop it being used.
  • Register your phone on www.immobilise.com to help police return recovered stolen property and combat the sale of stolen goods. Police recover more than 2500 items registered to the website on average every month. Never confront a thief or risk your own safety for the sake of your mobile device

Scooter and moped riders are also being urged to consider additional measures to secure their mopeds and scooters, such as using fitted anchors, security loops, disc and chain locks, and audible alarms.

Residents can also help police tackle moped theft and moped related crime such as theft snatch by reporting to police if you have witnessed or have footage of a bike being stolen or thieves carrying out a snatch theft. Your information will be treated in confidence and will help police to develop intelligence and target the thieves. Please contact us with:

  • Video footage
  • Photos
  • Details of time, date and location
  • If you have any other information about moped crime

You can do this by contacting the Met police on:

  • On Twitter @MetCC
  • On www.met.police.uk – tell us about something you’ve seen or heard.
  • By calling 101.
  • You can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

In the event of a crime taking place, always call 999.

Southwark Police have also been tweeting advice:

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