Robert Peston's stolen phone ends up in Algeria after police inaction

In London, TV presenter Robert Peston faced a distressing situation when his mobile phone was stolen by a biker. The incident, occurring weeks before his social media announcement, prompted Peston to provide the police with precise GPS locations of where his phone had been taken. Despite his thorough documentation which included pictures of front doors at two locations, he expressed frustration over the police's refusal to investigate the matter further. The officers informed him that they were not permitted to act on the GPS data he supplied due to departmental limitations and the overwhelming number of street crime incidents occurring in the city. Peston highlighted a significant resourcing issue within the police force which he believed hindered their ability to respond adequately to individual theft cases. He received offers for victim support and was asked to file a formal report, but expressed that he was more interested in retrieving his stolen phone than engaging in what he described as a 'pointless statement' process. Unfortunately for Peston, his phone was ultimately traced to Algeria, underscoring the challenges of recovering stolen property amidst a surge in mobile thefts. According to emerging statistics from the area, around 64,000 mobile phones were reported stolen in London within the last year, a staggering rise reflecting an overall increase in urban crime, particularly involving thefts committed via scooters and e-bikes. The City of Westminster, a key location for tourists and shopping, recorded a notable increase in reported incidents, further alarming residents and visitors alike. The situation raises critical questions about police resource allocation and operational strategies in dealing with everyday crime, ultimately reflecting a broader societal issue regarding safety and crime prevention.