The Government has pledged to crack down on ‘snatch thefts’ after cases soared by more than 150% in the last year.
The announcement comes after a recent Home Office analysis revealed that an estimated 78,000 people had items such as their phones or bags grabbed from them on the streets over the last 12 months – with the Government saying policing intelligence suggests this is being driven by “increased demand” for second-hand smartphones, both in the UK and overseas.
Crime Survey data indicates the equivalent of more than 200 so-called ‘snatch thefts’ took place every day on streets across England and Wales, which is the highest rate in more than a decade.
More than one third (36%) of these offences involved theft of a mobile phone.
To tackle this challenge head on, tech companies and manufacturers will be called to attend a Home Office summit on the issue.
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The Government is to crack down on ‘snatch thefts’ after cases soar by more than 150% / Credit: Airam Dato-on (via Pexels)
The summit will look at the new innovations that could take on the illegal market, and will aim to build on anti-theft smartphone features that some tech firms are said to have already rolled-out to protect their customers.
On top of this, the Government will also be tasking police chiefs to tackle this scourge in neighbourhood theft.
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Local police will also continue to surge police patrols in areas that are considered to be most at-risk of serious violence, with the Government intending to work with forces across the country to ensure that there is visible police presence in these hotspot areas to help “deter criminals” and “protect our communities”.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson called the latest theft figures “troubling”.
More than 200 so-called ‘snatch thefts’ took place every day on streets across England and Wales last year / Credit: Picryl
“With new phones coming to market and young people going back to school and university, many of us will have a new phone in our hands at this time of year,” she explained. “These figures are troubling and the government is determined to do whatever’s necessary to protect people entitled to walk the streets without the threat of robbery.
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“As part of our Safer Streets mission, this new Government is determined to crack down on snatch theft, knife-enabled robbery, and other crimes that make people feel unsafe in our communities.
“We are working to get thousands more uniformed officers into our communities to restore neighbourhood policing.”
Dame Johnson added that the Government, tech companies, and law enforcement can “break the business model of the phone thieves who rely on this trade” if they all work together.
Featured Image – PickPik
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
4th September 2024 
