Scooter Bandit Jailed for 4 Years After Bold Phone Snatch Spree
A man who used stolen scooters to blitz London streets, snatching phones and valuables, has been locked up for four years at Blackfriars Crown Court. Spencer Duarte, 21, from Stansted, Essex, was sentenced on Friday 18 May.
Four-Year Prison and Driving Ban for Scooter Thief
Duarte also received a four-year driving ban and a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). The CBO prevents him from riding any two-wheeled vehicle or using a phone not registered to him.
The court heard Duarte admitted to multiple crimes back in February at East Central Magistrates Court, including scooter theft, seven counts of theft, driving without insurance, and driving while disqualified. He was also recalled to prison for breaching his licence conditions.
Girlfriend in Hot Water for Helping Him Hide
Duarte’s girlfriend, 18-year-old Jade Clapham from Islington, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender by helping him evade police. She faces sentencing in July.
How Police Nabbed the Scooter Snatcher
Detective Superintendent Lee Hill hailed the case as a “fantastic result,” warning criminals that using stolen scooters for robberies won’t be tolerated.
Police cracked the case using DNA tagging spray on a stolen scooter and helmet recovered on 1 December 2017 in Haringey. Both items were covered in forensic spray, which helped link Duarte to a string of theft snatches in February 2018.
One victim bravely chased Duarte down and tackled him off his moped, causing the thief to ditch his helmet, clothes, and stolen goods before fleeing. DNA and fingerprint evidence left on these items, plus CCTV, helped police track the culprit.
Desperate Escape Ends in Arrest
The Operation Venice Investigation Team (VIT) took charge, tracing Duarte to his girlfriend’s home where he was found hiding in a cupboard. During arrest, he claimed severe abdominal pain and was taken to hospital. But he escaped custody!
After a police manhunt, Duarte was caught again on 22 February in Islington. Charged with 11 offences including vehicle theft, multiple thefts from people, disqualified driving, and driving uninsured, he was finally put behind bars.
This gritty crackdown sends a clear message: London’s streets are no place for scooter thieves and phone snatchers.
