Police swoop on moped phone theft gang suspects

CRACKDOWN AHEAD OF FEARED RISE IN SUMMER ROBBERIES

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POLICE today cracked down on a suspected gang of teenage moped phone robbers thought to be behind a crimewave targeting City workers and tourists.

A 19-year-old man suspected of carrying out a spate of knifepoint snatches and handling stolen handsets was arrested at the home he shares with his mother in Camberwell at 4am.

A boy aged 15, who officers believe carried a Rambo blade, was seized in south London and two male youths, 17 and 18, were detained nearby.

City of London and Metropolitan Police detectives launched the crackdown ahead of a feared rise in robberies by thieves on bikes and scooters over the summer. Last year, recorded offences shot up 266 per cent in the six months between February and July.