BBC broadcaster Nicky Campbell has become one of the latest people to be targeted by a phone thief near Oxford Street.
The Radio 5 Live presenter managed to snatch back his phone after he was singled out while in central London on Friday afternoon.
The 63-year-old posted on X: “Jeeeez. Near Oxford St. Guy just tried to grab my phone as I was on it.
“His hand was on it. I snatched it back shouted ‘fk you’ and he ran off. Take care out there.”
Jeeeez. Near Oxford St. Guy just tried to grab my phone as I was on it. His hand was on it. I snatched it back shouted “fk you” and he ran off. Take care out there.
— Nicky Campbell (@NickyAACampbell) November 8, 2024
Londoners have told the Standard that they have become increasingly targeted by phone thiefs, with an Evening Standard Feature’s Writer explaining that someone tried to snatch her phone just metres from her front door.
The Hackney resident told the Standard: “Every single person I know has had a brush with a phone thief.
“My neighbour even had hers taken by one thief and thrown back to her because they didn’t like the type of phone she had.
“They have so much choice, that’s how pervasive it is.
“I am now incredibly protective of my phone and I don’t get it out on the street anywhere in London, particularly in central London, if I can avoid it.”
It comes hours after the Met Police shared footage of undercover officers foiling an attempt to snatch a tourist’s mobile phone near Oxford Circus.
Sofian Hadar targeted a heart surgeon on holiday from Egypt in the West End and is seen stalking him from behind.
In the CCTV footage, within seconds of the 23-year-old swiping a device from the victim’s pocket police pounce on him as shoppers watch on in shock.
Then together with a female colleague, they wrestle their suspect to the ground on Europe’s busiest precinct.
The capital has been hit by a wave of phone snatchers with a surge in muggers using e-bikes and mopeds to rob Londoners of their phones.
Earlier this year the capital’s Victims’ Commissioner warned of the trauma that the crime spree is inflicting on the public.
Claire Waxman said muggings were leaving victims suffering from long-term trauma and creating fear in public spaces and could have a “serious impact on a person’s sense of safety”.
