Operation to reduce mobile theft

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HF police aims to raise awareness among 10-17 years old and parents

Hammersmith & Fulham Police work together with the National Mobile Phone Crime Unit (NMPCU) to reduce street crime

Hammersmith and Fulham Police will be launching an operation in the borough on 10th October tackling mobile phone theft on the streets.

The operation, codenamed Rubik, will be aimed at raising the awareness of the local community of how to use their mobile telephones safely whilst in public, and the benefits of registering their mobiles on the free database at www.immobilise.com

The operation is particularly targeting the 10-17 age group and Officers will be visiting schools, delivering a personal letter from the Borough Commander for all parents and guardians of school children discussing the issue.

Safer Neighbourhoods officers patrolling their wards will give leaflets and advice to people they meet using their mobiles in the street.

The Robbery Squad supported by other borough proactive units will also be targeting known street crime offenders through out the operation.

This operation is being carried out with the support of the Met Polices National Mobile Phone Crime Unit (NMPCU) with their Crime Prevention Officers providing advice and guidance to all local officers involved.

Since April Hammersmith and Fulham Police have reduced street crime by 12% by targeting and arresting those persons known to be involved in offences of street crime.

Chief Inspector Keith Overstall of Hammersmith & Fulham Police who is leading the operation says: “In the last twelve weeks over three quarters of our street crime has involved the stealing of mobile telephones. In London almost 60% of the offenders are aged between 10 and 17 years and 25% of the victims are in the same age group. This operation will be focused on raising awareness especially in this age group and also using our proactive robbery squad to target our offenders.”

Detective Superintendent Eddie Thomson of the NMPCU says:
"We would advise people to use their phones safely and wisely and be aware of the environment they are in. If you lose your phone or have it stolen please report it to your network provider immediately and keep a record of your IMEI number to give to police. I would urge everyone to register their phone with www.immobilise.com which will assist people to recover the phone and catch the offenders."

 

October 16, 2005