Christmas crackdown on crime in the City as new phone snatching figures down by third

City of London Police’s Christmas crackdown on crime is underway, as figures show that phone snatching has dropped significantly in the Square Mile.

The force has seen a 30 per cent reduction in the number of phones stolen between April and October this year, compared to the same period last year.

In the seven-month period of 2025, the force saw 413 phones snatched compared to 597 for the same time last year.

During the festive period, City of London Police will increase police presence across the Square Mile, as thousands of revellers are out celebrating, targeting those who prey on Christmas party-goers.

The targeted action highlights the force’s Safer City Streets campaign, an approach to prevention, partnership and problem solving. The campaign, which included the blue plaques, focuses on offences that matter to communities, like anti-social behaviour and phone snatching and the force is using intelligence-led hotspot policing to target areas where crime and anti-social behaviour has taken place. 

The force’s Christmas action comes during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, an international campaign to end violence against women which aims to raise awareness of all types of abuse and violence, pursuing violent and abusive men while rooting out toxic misogyny in society.

The City of London Police is a ‘White Ribbon’ accredited organisation; this year’s theme for the charity is “We Speak Up”, urging men to call out sexist jokes, catcalling, staring, and comments which might seem harmless, but can lead to violence and abuse.

White Ribbon Day coincides with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence that started on 25 November.

Commander Umer Khan, City of London Police, said:

“Over the festive season, we’re expecting a large number of visitors coming into the Square Mile to enjoy everything it has to offer. Our dedicated teams will be out in force across the City, working to a zero-tolerance of criminal behaviour and ready to help wherever needed.

“We’re committed to tackling violence against women and girls, it will not be tolerated and it is not acceptable.  We want you to know that we are doing all we can to make you feel safe.

“Nobody should be made to feel unsafe.  Our dedicated teams will be out in force across the City, working to a zero tolerance of criminal behaviour and ready to help wherever needed.

“Our officers will also be using covert and overt tactics to tackle acquisitive crimes such as bag thefts and phone snatching. These crimes have significant impact on victims and we’re determined to prevent them.”

City of London Police is strengthening its commitment to tackling violence, abuse and intimidation against women and girls, with the introduction of the City Safe Bus, in partnership with the Eastern City and Aldgate Connect Business Improvement Districts.

The bus, situated outside Liverpool Street Station, operates on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, where officers and a medic will be on hand to provide support for vulnerable individuals during the night-time economy, as well as offering public reassurance, safeguarding and welfare support. This month, the bus will run until 3am.

The force’s work in the Christmas period coincides with a nationwide crackdown on town centre crime. A Winter of Action, running from 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026, will unite police, councils, and businesses to protect against high streets across England and Wales. 

The Winter of Action builds on the success of the Safer Streets Summer Initiative, continuing efforts to tackle retail crime, street crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB), whilst also focusing on night-time economy offences, during the busy Christmas period. 

Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, said:

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a top priority for the City of London Police, and the Police Authority Board fully supports the Government’s Winter of Action initiative.

“Keeping people safe in the Square Mile is central to our Policing Plan, and the reduction in phone snatching and other acquisitive crime reflects the dedication of the City of London Police.

“This Christmas crackdown demonstrates our commitment to ensuring everyone who lives, works, or visits the City can enjoy the festive season feeling safe and secure.”

The City of London Police’s Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team will step up their focus on crimes such as theft of bags, phone snatches and shoplifting, as a large number of visitors come into the Square Mile to enjoy the festive season.

The force’s Cycle Team will also have an increased presence this Christmas to help patrol the City’s streets over the festive period.

The Cycle Team is highly visible and able to quickly get through areas inaccessible to vehicles and will help to deter and detect criminals, including seizing illegal e-bikes and disrupting phone snatchers.