Overview
- Elizabeth Lopez Aguilar, 24, had her phone taken while filming a TikTok near the London Eye and, with her boyfriend, chased down the thief within minutes to recover it.
- The couple chose not to contact police after retrieving the device, and no arrests or charges have been reported.
- Met Police data indicate more than 116,000 mobile phones were reported stolen in 2024, equating to about 13 thefts per hour or 320 per day.
- Only 169 suspects were charged last year, according to reporting based on Met figures, highlighting concerns over low prosecution rates and repeat offenders.
- Mayor Sadiq Khan has proposed increasing the average Band D council-tax precept to fund measures targeting phone thefts, with the draft budget awaiting London Assembly approval next month.