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UK's Largest Phone Theft Crackdown: 46 Arrested

10/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Operation Echosteep is the largest UK phone-theft crackdown, targeting 40% of London's thefts.
Investigators say the gang smuggled 40,000 stolen phones to China last year.
Police arrested 46 people, including two ringleaders, and executed 49 search warrants.
Commander Andrew Featherstone urged manufacturers to disable stolen devices to deter theft.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for global cooperation to combat stolen-phone trade.

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Story summary

Operation Echosteep is the largest UK phone-theft crackdown, targeting 40% of London's thefts.
Investigators say the gang smuggled 40,000 stolen phones to China last year.
Police arrested 46 people, including two ringleaders, and executed 49 search warrants.
Commander Andrew Featherstone urged manufacturers to disable stolen devices to deter theft.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for global cooperation to combat stolen-phone trade.