As a 24-year-old man stepped out of a shop in station Road, Manor Park, to use his mobile phone he was suddenly approached by two men.
One pushed him from behind whilst the other snatched his Apple mobile phone. Both men fled.
The victim called police immediately and the phone was later recovered due to an application the victim had loaded on to his phone.
This application supplied information which led police to the location and subsequent arrest of the two men.
Newham’s Crime prevention officer Pc Andy Whitfield said: “Whilst the police do not promote particular mobile phone applications, this is a fantastic example of how successful this type of software is.
“I recommend that you contact your mobile phone provider as they will be able to advise you on the best type of software for your particular phone.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here