An MP says mobile phone theft has been “effectively decriminalised” in the wake of the Morgan McSweeney affair.
Max Wilkinson, the Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman, said just 0.82 per cent of such crimes led to a charge across 17 forces in 2024-25.
Mobile phone theft and robbery offences in London fell from 81,365 in 2024 to 71,391 last year – a drop of 12.3 per cent.
McSweeney, Sir Keir Starmer’s former chief of staff, had his government device stolen on October 20 last year.
The case was initially closed without a suspect identified after he wrongly gave his location as Belgrave Street, Tower Hamlets, rather than Belgrave Road near Pimlico but the Met are now reviewing CCTV.
The loss of ex-top aide McSweeney’s phone means that important messages relating to Lord Peter Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador will not be placed in the public domain.
The Lib Dems claimed the Met had the highest proportion of cases closed without a suspect being identified - 95 per cent - and 0.3 per cent reported resulted in a charge, the equal lowest alongside Lincolnshire Police.
Wilkinson told the Daily Telegraph: “Morgan McSweeney having his phone stolen was just the tip of the iceberg.
“People could be forgiven for concluding phone theft has been effectively decriminalised.
“Criminal gangs are feeling emboldened to strike in broad daylight, safe in the knowledge they have a less than one per cent chance of ever being caught.
“A stolen phone isn't just an expensive item; it holds your entire digital life, from bank accounts to private messages.
“The fact that thousands of these cases are closed without a suspect even being named is a slap in the face to victims.
“The Liberal Democrats are calling time on this phone-snatching epidemic.
“It’s time for a dedicated National Crime Agency unit to track down the professional gangs behind these thefts and end the era of daylight robbery.”
As part of the Met’s most recent four week crackdown, officers made 370 arrests, targeting offenders from prolific pickpockets and phone snatchers through to handlers and those linked to international export networks.
Scotland Yard was approached for comment.
