The Met Police has released footage of the moment a gang responsible for 35 phone snatchings across south east London were arrested in KFC. 

Kie Joyce, 21, and two 16-year-old boys stole over £20,000 worth of mobile phones across Bermondsey and Greenwich. 

The trio were caught on camera riding e-bikes past unsuspecting victims and snatching phones out of their hands. 

They rode the bikes aggressively on pavements often approaching people at high speeds, giving victims little chance to react, escape or chase after them. 

Joyce, of Neckinger Estate in Peckham, was jailed for three and a half years by a judge at Inner London Crown Court on September 19 after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and eight counts of dangerous driving offences. 

Kie JoyceKie Joyce (Image: Met Police) One of the 16-year-old boys was given a six month sentence at the Old Bailey on November 1 for the same offences as Joyce. 

The second 16-year-old boy was sentenced to a nine-month supervision requirement in February. 

The trio were involved in 35 separate phone snatching incidents – officers recovered the mobile phones in 32 of the cases. 

Commander Owain Richards, the lead for mobile phone thefts in London, said: “We understand the impact of mobile phone theft can have on victims, it’s an invasive and sometimes violent crime- and we’re committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer. 

“We continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders. We are also working phone firms to ‘design out’ the ability for phones to be reused and sold on as we seek to dismantle the criminal market that fuels robbery and theft. 

“We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been a victim of mobile phone theft, so officers can investigate swiftly”. 

Police Constable Alex Earley, who led the investigation, said: “I am pleased our investigation has brought three offenders to justice for their part to play in a spate of phone thefts in our local area. 

“This demonstrates our commitment to addressing concerns from those living and working here. 

“Our top priority is to drive down crime that impacts our communities the most, creating neighbourhoods where everyone feels safe.”