I am a resident of Central London and recently fell victim to the increasing menace of electric scooter gangs. This incident took place in Grosvenor Square, Mayfair, but it is not an isolated event. Similar crimes are being reported from Marylebone, Knightsbridge and other areas. These gangs brazenly snatch phones and bags from innocent people, creating an atmosphere of fear. Some people report being stabbed with knives for their phones and watches. 

There were nearly 91,000 phones snatched from Londoners in 2022 - at an average of 248 a day.

The police response to this growing threat has been disappointingly inadequate. Despite numerous reports and complaints, there seems to be no concrete action taken against these criminals who continue their operations unimpeded. 

Everyone constantly sees the incidents happen and experience them daily but the police is nowhere to be seen. People are scared to walk on the streets of Central London. We are losing tourists as well for this reason and many people want to move out of the city as they are scared for their security.

According to Metropolitan Police data, theft offences involving powered two-wheel vehicles increased by 50% between 2018-2019 (source: Metropolitan Police). The lack of effective policing is not only emboldening these criminals but also making residents feel unsafe in their own neighbourhoods.

Criminals used electric bikes in 1,397 gadget thefts last year (2022) and e-scooters in 424, an increase of 185 % per cent, it was revealed in Freedom of Information requests to Scotland Yard and City of London Police.

We demand that the authorities increase police presence across Central London with a special focus on areas most affected by these crimes. We also urge them to devise strategies specifically aimed at curbing such incidents involving electric scooter gangs.

It's time we reclaim our streets from these criminals and restore safety for all residents. Please sign this petition urging the authorities for immediate action against electric scooter gangs in Central London.

https://www.ft.com/content/3467184a-23dc-427c-a1e8-0256b5f0f653

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https://www.ft.com/content/3467184a-23dc-427c-a1e8-0256b5f0f653

“People are being mugged in the heart of London — in Mayfair,” Narang, a member of the executive committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, said at the meeting.