Police officers seized “a large quantity” of stolen property from businesses in Walworth yesterday (Thursday, April 28) – including mobile phones.
Officers carried out the raids near the Walworth Road to look for stolen goods, with a particular focus on phones.
There was a huge rise in theft and burglary in Southwark in March compared to the previous month, according to Met Police figures. Theft went up nearly 36 per cent compared to February, while burglary – which involves going into a property – went up eight per cent.
Theft from the person – which would include phone snatching, a widespread problem in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe – went up more than 68 per cent in March compared to February.
A spokesperson for the police said: “Today [Thursday 28 April] officers from the Central South Burglary and Robbery Investigation Team, supported by colleagues from the Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Violence Suppression Unit, executed a number of search warrants in business premises in the Walworth Road area to search for stolen property, in particular mobile phones.
“A large quantity of property, including mobile phones, have been seized and efforts are now underway to identify the lawful owners.”
“Detective Constable Paddy McCarthy, of the Central South burglary and robbery investigation team, said: “The Met is focused on tackling theft and crime in our neighbourhoods, and will use all tools at our disposal to deter and disrupt those involved in it. Enquiries remain on going.”
Well done boys! Any businesses caught reselling stolen phones (unable to trace back to individual bank account who sold them the phone) in which the victim was assaulted and robbed should also be made liable for robbery convictions.