Met police chief urges courts to stop releasing phone thieves

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

The Metropolitan Police Commissioner has called on courts to take tougher action against criminals who steal mobile phones, urging judges and magistrates to reconsider releasing repeat offenders back onto the streets. Speaking at a press briefing in London, the chief warned that leniency is emboldening offenders and contributing to a surge in phone thefts across the capital.

Officials report that mobile phone theft has risen sharply in recent years, with victims often left facing financial loss, emotional distress, and disruption to daily life. The Met highlighted cases where individuals apprehended for multiple offences were released with minimal consequences, only to commit further crimes shortly afterward. The police argue that this cycle undermines public confidence in the criminal justice system and places undue strain on law enforcement resources.

The Commissioner stressed that while the police are committed to preventing crime and apprehending perpetrators, the courts play a crucial role in ensuring deterrence. “We are seeing far too many individuals who are repeatedly involved in mobile phone thefts being released without meaningful consequences,” he said. “This approach fails victims and allows offenders to continue operating with impunity. Stronger sentencing and custodial measures for repeat offenders are essential if we are to curb this trend.”

Law enforcement sources indicate that phone thefts frequently target public transport users, crowded shopping areas, and nightlife districts. Many incidents are opportunistic, with thieves taking advantage of distracted or unsuspecting individuals. The Metropolitan Police has introduced targeted operations, patrols, and intelligence-led initiatives to apprehend offenders, but officers warn that the impact of these measures is limited if the courts continue to release high-risk individuals.

Critics of current sentencing practices argue that short custodial periods or suspended sentences fail to deter repeat offenders and allow them to continue criminal behaviour almost immediately. Victim advocacy groups have echoed the police’s concerns, stating that repeated thefts create anxiety in communities and disproportionately affect young people and vulnerable citizens who rely heavily on smartphones for communication, education, and work.

The Commissioner also highlighted the broader societal costs of phone theft, including lost productivity, repair and replacement expenses, and the administrative burden of police investigations. By urging courts to adopt a tougher stance, the Met hopes to break the cycle of reoffending and send a clear message that theft of personal property will not be tolerated.

Some legal experts caution that while stronger sentencing for repeat offenders may reduce recidivism, it is equally important to focus on rehabilitation and crime prevention initiatives. These include community programmes, diversion schemes, and support for individuals at risk of reoffending, which can complement stricter judicial measures. Nevertheless, police insist that immediate intervention through the justice system is necessary to protect the public and maintain confidence in law enforcement.

In response to the Commissioner’s comments, several magistrates indicated a willingness to review sentencing guidelines and assess the effectiveness of current measures in deterring repeat offenders. Parliamentarians and community leaders have also voiced support for a balanced approach that combines enforcement with preventative programmes, aiming to reduce mobile phone crime without overwhelming the prison system.

As the Metropolitan Police continues its crackdown on theft, officers emphasise that public cooperation remains vital. Citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant, report incidents promptly, and take precautions to secure their devices. Meanwhile, the police and courts face mounting pressure to act decisively against repeat offenders, ensuring that justice is served and communities are protected.

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