Over 100 suspected stolen phones seized in North London raid

Metropolitan Police officers have seized over 100 suspected stolen mobile phones following a raid on a shop in North London. The operation, which targeted premises believed to be involved in handling stolen devices, led to the arrest and charging of five suspects.

Wider Campaign Against Phone Theft

This specific raid is part of the Metropolitan Police's largest-ever campaign against phone theft. In a single month, this wider operation resulted in more than 700 arrests and the seizure of hundreds of suspected stolen devices. The campaign aims to target all aspects of organised criminal activity, from street thieves to handlers and exporters.

Commander Andy Featherstone, who leads the Met's efforts against phone theft, stated that phone theft offences are at a four-year low due to the police's persistent campaign. He added that the police visited 220 second-hand phone shops across London during the operation to gather intelligence and build relationships with legitimate businesses. During the wider operation, officers also seized drugs, weapons, cash, and more than 110 illegal e-bikes.

Declining Theft Figures

The campaign has contributed to a steady decline in phone theft and robbery offences across London. Between January and August this year, 39,793 phone theft offences were recorded. This represents a decrease of approximately 9,000 victims compared to the 49,136 offences recorded during the same period in 2025. The reduction has been particularly significant in Westminster, where offences have fallen by nearly 50 per cent.

Police are also advising the public to be cautious of individuals claiming to be from the police or a phone company who request passwords or sensitive information. In a separate case, three men were recently sentenced to a combined total of 25 years imprisonment for their involvement in a large-scale mobile phone smuggling network that trafficked an estimated 40 per cent of all phones stolen in London between 2024 and 2025.