London Crime Crackdown: Over 140 Arrested Including Phone Thieves
London Crime Crackdown: Over 140 Arrested Including Phone Thieves
More than 140 people have been arrested including phone thieves and other criminals in a major London crime crackdown.
Operation Baselife
The Met Police deployed more than 100 additional officers as they targeted anti-social behaviour in London's West End ahead of Christmas.
The week-long operation, dubbed Operation Baselife, focused on crimes like:
- Shoplifting
- Phone theft
- Violence against women and girls
- Anti-social behaviour
Phone Thieves Caught
Among those arrested were two men trying to steal mobile phones from women at an ice rink in Leicester Square on 5 November.
Police caught them with several stolen phones in their possession.
Intelligence-Led Approach
Superintendent Natasha Evans, who led the operation, said police were using facial recognition technology to combat crime.
"This operation shows that targeting prolific offenders in crime hotspots works. Our intelligence-led approach means we're solving twice as many shoplifting cases and taking hundreds of offenders off the streets."
West End Focus
Officers were deployed to target specific places at specific times when crimes were most likely to be committed.
They were backed up by specialist teams like "interceptors" who respond to crimes that use vehicles.
Technology & Tactics
The operation demonstrated the Met's use of:
- Live facial recognition technology
- Intelligence-led policing
- Specialist interceptor teams
- Targeted deployment at high-crime times
Christmas Safety Push
Superintendent Evans emphasized the timing:
"We're doubling down before Christmas, as the West End enters one of its busiest periods. Local officers, specialist teams and tech such as live facial recognition will focus on the areas with the most crime to keep driving numbers down."
Results
The operation was part of an increase in police activity in the West End and other London crime hotspots over autumn and winter.
Police said they are continuing to ensure the West End remains a safe and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and the millions of visitors who come each month.
What This Means for Phone Security
This crackdown demonstrates:
- ✅ Increased police presence in high-risk areas
- ✅ Technology being deployed to catch thieves
- ✅ Focus on phone theft as a priority crime
- ✅ Proactive approach rather than reactive
Stay Safe
With heightened police activity:
- Remain vigilant in busy areas
- Keep phones secure and out of sight
- Report suspicious behaviour
- Be especially cautious during Christmas shopping
The Met Police continue to tackle crimes that matter most to Londoners through highly visible, intelligence-led policing.
Source: Sky News, 10 November 2025