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Moment 'phone thief' riding an e-bike is handcuffed by police after 'snatching mobile' outside the Ritz

1 year ago 37
  • The suspect was found to be carrying five mobile phones and bank cards

By Ryan Prosser and Miriam Kuepper

Published: 18:31 GMT, 13 November 2023 | Updated: 20:53 GMT, 13 November 2023

A suspected phone thief riding an e-bike was arrested after targeting a man outside the Ritz.

Footage captured the moment the suspect was placed in handcuffs by officers opposite the £825-a-night hotel in the exclusive London neighbourhood of Mayfair.

Police rushed to the scene after an alleged victim raised the alarm when his phone was stolen around 6pm on Saturday.

The suspect was quickly detained outside the five-star hotel which is popular with tourists in the capital's West End.

The alleged victim had his phone snatched while walking on the pavement opposite the Ritz.

A suspected phone thief was arrested in central London

Footage captured the moment the suspect was placed in handcuffs by officers opposite the Ritz

The man was arrested on suspicion of snatching a mobile phone off a member of the public

He was interviewed by police and said at the time he wanted to press charges against the suspected phone thief. 

The suspect was wearing a dark blue raincoat, matching dark blue trousers, a black helmet, trainers and a big black backpack.

The man allegedly used his black e-bike to snatch the phone, enabling him to sneak up to his victim and drive off quickly.

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: 'A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of phone theft at around 17:00hrs on Saturday, 11 November in Piccadilly W1. 

Police were alerted to the incident after an alleged victim called for help

It is claimed that the alleged thief used this bike to snatch a phone near the well-known hotel on Piccadilly, Mayfair

'It follows an incident in which a man's phone was stolen in the street by a man on a bicycle.

'The victim managed to tackle the suspect before patrolling police arrested him. 

'He was taken into custody and later released on bail. Enquiries continue.'

MailOnline has also contacted The Ritz for comment.  

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