Phone snatcher who used e-bike sentenced for series of thefts in city centre

Michael ‘Mickey’ O’Leary, 20, of Miles Platting, was sentenced on Wednesday 11 December 2024, to 56 months in a youth offenders institute for a series of mobile phone thefts.

O’Leary was found guilty on four counts of theft, one count of robbery and breaching his bail conditions. 

On 11 April, 2024, one of the phones stolen had been tracked, via the Find my iPhone app, to an address where a number of other mobile phones were recovered. All phones were later identified to have been stolen that day by the same males in Manchester city centre and the Ancoats area.  

An examination of a suspect’s phone revealed a Snapchat message sent of a video clip of several mobile phones on a kitchen counter, with a male saying: “10 minutes in town”. 

Thanks to a thorough investigation, the North Manchester Neighbourhood Crime Team (NCT) attributed the offending account to O’Leary, even though it had been registered anonymously through an associate. Two suspects, who can not be named for legal reasons, are still under investigation in relation to their part in this series. 

Detective Constable Nicholas Kershaw, of the City of Manchester Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: "This investigation involved a lot of background work, including the follow-up of CCTV enquiries and evidence, but it has eventually led to the sentencing of this individual.

“This result sends a clear message that no matter how organised or sophisticated the group or individual may be, we will thoroughly investigate to ensure we remain a step ahead as we continue with our efforts to make the streets of Greater Manchester a safer place to live, work and visit. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to warn the public to be wary of this offence. 

“While you are out and about, please keep your phone hidden away in a bag or even in your pocket, making it harder for opportunistic criminals to reach. 

“Mobile phones or valuable items left in sight can be easily spotted by criminals as they look for a victim. 

“Please be aware of your surroundings as these type of thefts can happen so quickly, with some instances only taking around 20 seconds for the offender to approach the victim and steal the phone away.”