Concerns are rising in Greenwich Town Centre after 45 mobile phones have been stolen in the last three months by people riding bikes and mopeds on the street.

In the last three months there has been a spike in phones being snatched by people riding mopeds and bicycles on the street in Greenwich Town Centre.

The most common times for this happening according to reported thefts fell between 8am to 7pm typically around rush hour.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, Ann-Marie Cousins said: “We urge our residents and visitors to be vigilant at all times, especially when you are commuting to work and school, and if you are near the Town centre or waiting at train and bus stations.”

Further concerns have been raised for women’s safety, with women being reported to be three times more likely to be targeted than men.

As a result, police have increased patrols in Greenwich Town Centre to prevent further thefts from happening.

A spokesperson from the Metropolitan Police Service said: “The police treats all crime seriously and we would like to reassure the public that the situation is being monitored and assessed daily.

Both uniformed and plain clothes officers will be deployed to the location at random times, with a view to preventing these thefts, whilst bringing offenders to justice.

“I would ask the public to remain vigilant and look out for individuals, particularly on pedal bikes, who may target people on their phones.

“Remember to look up, look out.”

If you would like to contact the police on this issue you can dial 101 or 999 in an emergency.

If you wish to provide anonymous information, you can contract Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.