‘I felt violated’: inside the phone-Snatching crisis

Aspiralling crimewave has seen the number of robberies rise almost 21 per cent, with victims left traumatised and members of the public calling for greater police presence.

- Anthony France and Jonathan Kanengoni

CELEBRITY talent manager Chad Teixeira felt “violated” after being beaten up by phone robbers who pulled open the doors of his Uber minicab at 4am in London’s West End.

It is the third time Mr Teixeira, 27, says he has been targeted in recent weeks amid a spiralling crime wave that has seen offences rise by almost 21 per cent.

The latest Metropolitan Police figures show there were 8,972 robberies of mobiles — 24 a day — in the 12 months to September, compared with 7,423 in 2021. Only 625 devices were recovered.

City broker Henry Charlton-Weedy needed 52 stitches to his face after being attacked in Bishopsgate last month.

The 35-year-old was one of three people slashed by balaclava-clad thugs as they helped a phone robbery victim.

His author wife, Helen Carr, 33, said: “I’m proud of him for being so brave but, my goodness, I was worried. He’s much better now and he’s on the mend.”

Two men, aged 23 and 25, charged with offences including conspiracy to rob and causing grievous bodily harm with intent are due to reappear at Inner London Crown Court at a later date.

Crimestoppers say in the City of London district — where Mr Charlton-Weedy was attacked — mobile snatches have increased by 151 per cent in the past year. Criminals often use bikes and mopeds with victims approached from behind while talking or texting, the charity said in an awareness campaign. Offences peak on Wednesdays, with nearly two in five committed on that day.

Two-thirds happen between 6pm and 1am, when many of the 400,000 daily City workers and visitors are socialising.