The City of London Police has launched #OperationSwipe – Intensification Week starting today, which will focus on tackling phone snatching across the City.

The initiative is designed to disrupt organised phone-snatching gangs, raise public awareness, and provide individuals with practical tools to safeguard their belongings and personal information. The objectives of the campaign are to:
Reduce the prevalence of phone snatching and related crimes in key targeted areas.
Deter criminal activity through increased police visibility and enforcement.
Provide resources and guidance to the public on protecting property and preventing identity theft.

Key Activities:

1. Phone Marking & Registration
Phone owners will be able to register their devices with a unique identifier linked to a police database. This measure improves the likelihood of recovering and returning stolen phones. Sessions will be held at the following locations:

**Wednesday 24 September – Coventry University, Middlesex Street (11:00 – 14:00)
Thursday 25 September – Fleet Street (junction with Ludgate Hill) (11:00 – 14:00)
Friday 26 September – One New Change, Cheapside (11:00 – 14:00)**

2. Hot Spot Patrols
Targeted police patrols will be deployed in areas most affected by phone snatching to provide a visible deterrent and enhance public safety.

3. Public Awareness & Education
Distribution of educational materials with practical tips to prevent identity theft and fraudulent use of personal or banking information.
Guidance on how to safeguard devices and accounts if a phone is stolen.

4. Community Engagement
Dedicated Ward Officers will work directly with residents and workers to:
Promote the phone-marking process.
Share anti-fraud advice.
Encourage safe practices to prevent becoming a victim of phone snatching.

City of London Police phone snatching work also forms a key part of the City of London Corporation ‘s three-year policing plan published in April to keep people safe and feeling safe. The plan sets out how the force will achieve its vision of a trusted and inclusive police service, keeping the City of London safe and transforming the national policing response to fraud, economic and cyber crime.