Gulf travelers warned about London ‘moped menace’

LONDON: As legions of Arab travelers book their summer flights to London to escape the soaring heat of the Gulf, the city’s police force has warned tourists to be extra vigilant of moped crime.
In the past two years, mopeds have become the vehicles of choice for mobile phone robberies, bag snatches and even acid attacks in the UK capital.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the Kensington and Chelsea area — a popular spot for tourists from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) — is among the top ten London boroughs most affected by moped crimes. The others are: Lambeth, Southwark, Hackney, Haringey, Newham, Islington, Westminster, Wandsworth, and Camden.
Kevin Howells, chairman of the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group, urged visitors from the GCC “not to draw attention to themselves.”
Howells suggested covering up phones when not in use and using smaller, less noticeable handbags where possible. “Some people like to show they are successful but it’s best to be low-key. Be mindful of your surroundings and stay in well-lit areas,” he advised.
The increase in moped-based crime has been dramatic. In the 12 months to June 2017, the Met police recorded 16,158 thefts by people using mopeds — more than three times as many as the 5,145 reported between July 2015 and June 2016.
One video released by the Metropolitan Police shows a moped gang deliberately running down a man in London, apparently to steal his watch.
A police spokesperson told Arab News: “We are working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who use mopeds, motorbikes and bicycles to snatch valuables from members of the public.
“It is important that the public are aware of their surroundings at all times and protect their personal property, as this crime happens in an instant.”
According to a Visit Britain spokesperson, there were 777,000 visits from the GCC to the UK in 2016, up 7 percent on the previous year, with visitors from the GCC spending £1.43 billion ($1.87 billion). Visits from Saudi Arabia to the UK broke records in 2016 with 152,000 visits, up 3 percent on 2015. There were 109,000 visits from Saudi Arabia to London specifically in 2016, up 4 percent on 2015.
As summer tourist season reaches its peak, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement that it is committed to taking every opportunity to “divert, disrupt, detect and prosecute those involved in scooter, moped, and motorcycle-related criminality”.
“This is done in a coordinated approach under ‘Operation Venice’ whose officers conduct targeted operations throughout London and through intelligence-led investigations and operations prevent and detect moped theft,” it said.
The police statement advised tourists to be aware of their surroundings at all times and keep personal property secure. The report also advised visitors “not to text while walking; use the security features on your phone; and try going hands-free or standing away from the roadside close to a wall so no one can come up behind you.”
The statement added: “Your phone comes with a range of security features, such as keypad locks and remote data wiping. Make sure they are all activated to stop thieves from accessing your phone and personal data. Know how to identify your phone if it’s stolen.”
The police force also advised visitors to obtain their personal IMEI number by dialling *#06# and keeping a written note of the number. If the phone is stolen, report it to the police and the mobile provider to stop it being used.