Man who snatched mobile phones from people on the streets of Manchester city centre jailed

Earlier this week (Saturday 20 July), a man from Manchester was sentenced after being found guilty of theft and detectives have released CCTV of the three incidents that were caught on camera.

A man, aged in his 30s, was unknowingly caught on CCTV committing these crimes in Manchester city centre. In each offence, he was seen cycling past on his pushbike at speed before snatching phones from his victims on busy high streets, with no regard for people’s safety.

He was responsible for three thefts across Manchester city centre and in each of the offences he targeted people who were on their phone in public. He had a very clear and organised set up as he is seen riding his bike past potential victims before turning round and coming up behind them to steal their phones. 

Detectives from Manchester Central neighbourhood crime team have worked meticulously to follow up on a number of CCTV enquiries and have also spoken to many witnesses which led them directly to the man.

On 16 June 2024, a woman was walking down Adair Street in the city centre at 3.30pm, the victim said that someone came behind her on a bicycle whilst she was walking and snatched her phone, the victim started to chase the offender, but he was gone too quickly.

Three days later on 19 June, another victim, a woman in her twenties was on a video call to her friend on her phone as she walked on Upper Brook Street in the city centre, the man cycled past her and swiped her mobile phone.

A day after on the 20 June, a woman was stood on the corner of Swan Street on her phone, the man again, came from behind on his bicycle and snatched the phone out of her hands before quickly cycling away.

Detective Inspector Natalie McDonald of GMP’s Manchester Central neighbourhood team, said: “The victims, left without their phones and on the street, were rightly shaken by the incidents as we can see just how quickly the offences happened. In the blink of an eye their phones were stolen.

“Throughout the trial, he showed little to no remorse for his victims –who were understandably affected by these incidents. There might not be any physical injuries as a result, but mobile phones hold a lot of precious memories and pictures which are irreplaceable.

“We want to ensure we are equipping the public with the right crime prevention advice to be able to reduce their chances of becoming a victim.

“Many people think it won’t happen to them, but it could happen to anyone, and thieves can steal things in the blink of an eye, they usually target individuals who are distracted, so we advise that you are aware of your surroundings. 

"If you want to use your mobile phone whilst out and about, use it quickly whilst still being aware of what’s happening around you when on a street or in a public place.

“Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight and preferably in a hidden in a zipped bag.

“Know how to identify your phone. Keep a record of your mobile phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06#, by pressing these numbers and symbols, your phone IMEI number will show on screen. If your phone is stolen, it will speed up the process of getting the phone blocked when reporting the number to your service provider.  

“You can also register your mobile phone for free at immobilise.com, this will also help you if your phone is stolen helps the police to identify you as the owner if recovered."

For more neighbourhood crime prevention advice from GMP, please visit: Crime prevention advice | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)