Thieves see your possessions differently; don't fall foul of criminal gangs

Have you noticed those posters popping up all over London warning you that criminals want your mobile "thieves see your possessions differently"?  Don't you find this irritating? The campaign warns that your valuables are seen as easy cash from the point of view of a thief. Are we supposed to empathise  with crooks?  Launching an awareness campaign to remind us that our smart phones, tablets, jewellery, etc., are easy cash and are red rags being waved in the faces of aggressive bulls isn't exactly tactful.  It's not a bad idea to take simple precautions to avoid becoming a crime casualty (if robbed the police call us victims ) and to consider whether its wise to use our possessions or have them on view but we really should be safe enough in London to use our mobile phone without it being snatched from our hands. Criminal gangs operate across London and they don't seem to be scared of being caught, and when nabbed all to often the perpetrators escape justice. Recent incidents reported in the Press suggest that if they hand back a stolen phone its unlikely the CPS will take the case further. The Metropolitan Police say that they are determined to prevent robbery and "to catch those responsible, through gathering intelligence, mounting proactive operations and  stepping up patrols in affected areas". They don't mention prosecution.

Across London there will be posters, radio and online advertising about the campaign.  Posters will also be displayed on phone box doors in seven priority boroughs: Westminster, Southwark, Lambeth, Newham and Croydon, Camden and Islington. Three 40 second radio adverts, designed to make people think about when and where they display valuable items, will  air across London on Capital London, Magic 105.4, Choice FM London, XFM London, Sunrise Radio and Kiss FM.

To see top tips on how to avoid being a victim of street robbery see the MPS crime prevention section.