Two moped enabled thieves who snatched mobile phones from pedestrians whilst they were making calls, were sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on Friday. 31 March.

Zuriel Hutson, 21 [17.05.95] of Crowfield House, Highbury New Park, Islington N5 was sentenced two and a half years’ imprisonment after he had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal, dangerous driving and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order at Wood Green Crown Court on 31 January.

Sharuk Sheraji, 22, [01.03.95] of Sebastion House, Hoxton Street, N1 was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after he had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to steal and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order at Wood Green Crown Court on 9 February.

On the afternoon of Saturday, 26 November 2016, the offenders, riding a stolen, high-powered moped, steered by Hutson with Sheraji as pillion, carried out a series of mobile phone thefts across London.

There were ten snatches and one attempted snatch offences in Westminster, three snatch offences in Camden, two snatch offences in Islington, two snatch offences in Hackney and one snatch offence in Tower Hamlets.

Officers from Operation Attrition – the Met’s response to moped enabled snatch offences on Islington, Camden and the City of London – were mobilised in unmarked police cars with the support of the National Police Air Service helicopter.

The offenders were easily spotted due to their visibly dangerous riding through the streets.

In Whitehall Street, N17 Sheraji jumped off the moped and attempted to flee on foot, but was caught by the officers. He was found to be in possession of the 18 phones snatched and was arrested.

Hutson then attempted to escape on the moped, heading north and onto the North Circular, all the while followed by the helicopter.

He rode at speeds of up to 90mph, weaving in and out of traffic along the M11, and often on the wrong side of the carriageway, against oncoming traffic. His driving caused members of the public to swerve out of his path to avoid head-on collisions. Nevertheless, some minor road traffic incidents occurred as a result of Hutson’s riding.

On The M11, Hutson tried to squeeze in between two cars in the gap between lanes two and three, but instead collided with them. The impact forced him to crash his moped, knocking his shoes off his feet as he skidded and rolled along the motorway. He also narrowly avoided being struck by the car behind.

Police were forced to close part of the M11 to prevent further danger to motorists.

Hutson got back up, restarted his moped and continued along the hard shoulder, again against oncoming traffic.

Police deployed a ‘stinger’ tyre deflation device ahead of Hutson, which safely slowed him down and eventually stopped him on the slip road of the M11 to the M25. He then attempted to flee bare foot, but police soon caught up with him. He was arrested on suspicion of robbery, failing to stop, dangerous driving, attempting to drive away and no insurance.

Op Attrition detectives have identified 17 of the 18 owners of the stolen mobile phones so far, who have provided statements and had their phones returned to them.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Heatley said:

“This was a good result, which has seen two perpetrators of audacious thefts receive a robust judicial outcome with time in jail. The convictions and sentences should send out a strong message that such incidents will be dealt with robustly by the Met and the courts.

“Police 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.

“Both defendants, Hutson in particular, could have caused serious injury to the victims, the public, other motorists and themselves, in their callous execution of their crimes and attempts to evade justice. They had no regard for anyone but themselves.

“These offenders relied on the unwariness of the public to snatch their phones whilst they made calls so it is imperative that the public are aware of their surroundings at all times and keep their phones secure at all times as this crime happens in an instant.”