In a move to fight the growing problem of mobile phone theft, Camberwell police are urging the public to register their phone’s serial number as thieves are “regularly snatching phones directly out of people’s hands”.

Camberwell police recommend residents to register their phone with the charity Immobilise. They also say this can boost prosecutions if a suspect is found in possession of a stolen phone and allows the device to be easily returned to its owner. An easy way to find out your phone’s serial number is by dialing *#06#. 

Police have also issued advice regarding bicycle theft, urging cyclists to register their bike with the National Cycle Database BikeRegister.

They say bikes are most often stolen overnight from “secure cycle storage areas”, making it an imperative for people to register their bike’s serial number which is often “stamped into the frame beneath the peddles”.

PCSO Danny Cloud, an officer for the Camberwell Green area, said the “two biggest crime trends include theft of mobile phones and cycles”.

Police in Camberwell have also released survey results revealing the public want the police to prioritize drug dealing, drug use and anti-social behaviour throughout the Camberwell area.

Residents who were involved as ward panel members for the Camberwell area, laid out new priorities for the local police as the results from the anonymous ward survey that was recently conducted.  

The community panel members want the police to prioritise combatting drug use on Warner Road, Tillings Close and Crawford estate. Anti-social behaviour on Denmark Hill High Street and drug use and dealing on the Poets Corner estate were also highlighted.

The next meeting of ward panel members is set to take place next year on January 19, 2023.