A man who used an electric motorbike to snatch 24 phones in one morning in London has been jailed for two years.
Sonny Stringer rode at nearly 50mph before a police car made “tactical contact” with his back wheel to knock him off.
The officer acted just as Stringer was about to mount the pavement near a family with a buggy.
The 28-year-old from Islington ran off and tried to throw away a black Faraday bag – which blocks phone signals and tracking apps – but was arrested.
The bag contained 22 phones, while two fell out when he was knocked off the bike.
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
Stringer – who police called “London’s most notorious phone snatcher”- began his theft spree around 11.15am on 26 March when he and an unknown accomplice rode into the City of London.
A woman on Blackfriars Bridge was the first victim and had her iPhone 15 snatched from her hand.
But CCTV controllers managed to follow the pair across the financial district and direct police officers on the ground.
The thieves nearly hit someone as they rode over a pedestrian crossing on Fetter Lane, while another person had to run for safety.
Advanced police driver PC Smith made the decision to take down Stringer’s electric bike near Bank Tube station to protect the public.
A review of the tactical pursuit and containment (TPAC) manoeuvre showed it was proportionate and responsible, said City of London Police.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
Read more from Sky News:
Girl, 13, died after taking sip of Costa hot chocolate
Strictly Come Dancing reveals final three stars
Stringer pleaded guilty in June and was sentenced last week at Isleworth Crown Court to 20 months for theft and four months for dangerous driving.
“We’d urge people to be aware of their surroundings when using their mobile phones on the street,” said Chief Superintendent William Duffy.
“Limit the opportunities for criminals to target you by reducing the number of times you have your phones out while in the street.”
