Benjamin Murphy

Op Swipe is the City of London Police’s operation to deter, detect, apprehend and prevent phone snatching. This proactive approach involves:

Visible public messaging – iconic ‘blue plaques’, placed at phone theft hotspots and locations where arrests of phone snatchers have taken place. This data-led approach, coupled with the ‘look up, look out’ messaging, aims to make the public aware of the issue and encourage behavioural change.

Phone Marking – the City of London Police is offering phone marking that allows devices to be uniquely marked, helping police quickly identify and return stolen phones to victims when recovered. If a phone is found, the markings make it easier for officers to track ownership and ensure that property is returned promptly.

Seizure of illegal e-bikes – e-bikes are often used in phone snatches, and the City of London Police has seized over 500 illegal e-bikes and e-scooters since July 2023.

Crime prevention advice – keep your device secure by:

• Protecting sensitive data and apps with unique and different passcodes or facial recognition.
• Setting up 2-Step Verification on all devices and ensure personal details such as passwords are not kept in unencrypted notes.
• Telling your network provider straight away if your phone is stolen because they can blacklist and deactivate it remotely.
• If you’ve lost money or provided your financial information to someone, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.
• Most smartphones and tablets can be remotely locked and tracked

Today, I was delighted to join City Police Officers outside 22 Bishopsgate at an event funded by the Eastern City BID, offering free mobile phone marking.

I was surprised how easy it was to register my device. All you need to do is scan a QR code, enter your details, then slap a sticker with a QR code on the back of your phone. That’s it!

It can also help to strengthen the criminal case against thieves when arrested, as the discreet, unique and tamper-resistant stickers from Selectamark Security Systems plc help police to quickly identify and return stolen phones to victims when recovered.

The Business Improvement Districts across the Square Mile are holding a range of these events over the next few weeks. The full list is as below:

• Thursday 5^th June – 1200-1400 – Eastern City (outside 22 Bishopsgate, southern entrance)
• Weds 11^th June – 1200-1400 – Eastern City (outside Lloyd’s of London Building)
• Thurs 12^th June – 1600-1800 – Fleet Street Quarter (outside City Thameslink Station)
• Weds 18^th June – 1200-1400 – Culture Mile (St Bartholomew’s Hospital – Main Hospital Square)
• Thurs 19^th June – 1200-1400 – Aldgate (Aldgate Square)
• Weds 25^th June – 1200-1400 – Culture Mile (outside Barclays, 120 Moorgate).
• Weds 2^nd July – 1200-1400– City River Partnership (location TBC)
• Thurs 3^rd July – 1200-1400 – Cheapside (Bank Junction)
• Weds 9^th July – 1200-1400 – Aldgate (Aldgate Square)
• Thurs 10^th July – 1600-1800 – City River Partnership (location TBC)
• Weds 16^th July – 1200-1400 – Cheapside (Bank Junction)
• Thurs 17^th July – 1200-1400 – Fleet Street Quarter (outside Blackfriars Station)