🛡️ Safety

Phone Thefts

What's happening, how to protect yourself, and what's being done.

Phone theft by moped and e-bike riders is a known problem in East Village, particularly on Celebration Avenue and around Stratford station.

How it happens

Thieves typically operate from mopeds or electric bikes, snatching phones from people who are walking while looking at their screen. Most incidents happen in seconds.

Common spots:

  • Celebration Avenue (especially near the station end)
  • The approach to Stratford International
  • Around the Podium

Protect yourself

  • Don’t walk with your phone out if you can help it — check your route before you leave, then pocket it
  • Use a phone lanyard or case with wrist strap — makes grab-and-run harder
  • If you’re on a call, hold the phone to your ear with your hand rather than walking with it outstretched
  • Stay alert near roads where bikes can approach quickly

If you’re robbed

  1. Call 999 if the offender is still nearby
  2. Call 101 or report online to get a crime reference number
  3. Use Find My iPhone / Google’s Find My Device to track or remotely wipe your phone
  4. Report to your network provider to block the IMEI
  5. Report to your insurer

CCTV

East Village has CCTV coverage across most of the estate. If you report to the police, they can request footage from GetLiving Security.