A man has been arrested following an attempted phone snatch on a train at Brent Cross West station on January 20. The incident occurred as the train doors were closing, according to British Transport Police (BTP).
Off-Duty Officer Makes Arrest
An off-duty Metropolitan Police officer apprehended the suspect at the scene on suspicion of robbery.
During the arrest, the man allegedly kicked a member of railway staff in the stomach, leading to an additional charge of assault.
Part of Wider Police Crackdown
This arrest comes amid a week-long operation by London police forces aimed at tackling phone theft and robberies on the city’s transport network.
- 21 arrests were made during the operation, with 10 directly linked to phone thefts or robberies.
- On January 22, another suspect was arrested at his home in connection with an attempted phone robbery that occurred between Wandsworth Common station and Clapham Junction station in December.
- Finsbury Park station saw 14 arrests, while at Seven Sisters station, a man was arrested on January 21 for possession of a flick knife, drugs, and cash.
In a separate incident on January 23, police arrested three youths following reports of a group of teenagers being robbed of two phones and a jacket.
Police Response to Crime on Railways
Chief Inspector Liam Kelly of BTP said:
“The public’s safety is our number one priority, and we are working hard to detect and deter phone theft and robbery on the railway network.
“Our increased operational activity, guided by enhanced intelligence work, has made the railway a hostile environment for offenders, which has seen rates of robbery decrease compared to last year.”
Kelly also highlighted the continued presence of uniformed and plain-clothed officers as part of their strategy to tackle crime on the transport network.
What to Do If You Witness a Crime
The public is encouraged to report incidents of theft or suspicious activity to British Transport Police by:
? Calling 0800 40 50 40
? Texting 61016
This operation underscores the commitment of police forces to reduce crime and ensure public safety across London’s railway network.
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