Smartphone snatched by teenage cyclists in Upton Park

Teenage cyclists snatched a smartphone out of a woman’s hand mid-text while she was out shopping.

The woman was heading to Queen’s Market in Green Street, Upton Park on August 6 when she stopped to send a quick message on her Samsung Galaxy mobile phone at around 10.13am.

Then the victim described how two young black men, thought to be aged betwwen 13 and 15-years-old, grabbed the phone out of her hand as they cycled off towards the Plaistow end of Barking Road.

Newham’s crime prevention design advisor, PC Andy Whitfield, said: “Even in a city as busy and crowded as London or this case specifically Newham, incidents of mugging and pick pocketing are still quite low.

“Knowing how and where criminals who commit these crimes operate will help you avoid falling victim to them.

“Be aware and keep your possessions safe; be discreet with your belongings; displaying expensive electronic devices, like mobile phones or cameras, could attract unwanted attention.

“Don’t make your mobile phone a moving target, don’t tempt mobile phone thieves, be aware of your surroundings when making a call.”

Newham police also advise residents to register their phone for free with website Immobilise at www.immbilise.com to help officers track lost items.