Trio arrested after spate of phone snatching incidents in Bristol

The phones were stolen by riders of an electric motorbike

Three people have been arrested after pedestrians had their mobile phones stolen by riders of an electric motorbike in Bristol. Avon and Somerset Police said the arrests were made yesterday afternoon, Thursday, October 17, by officers investigating over 20 similar reports this month.

A teenage boy, a woman in her teens and a man in his 20s were all arrested on suspicion of robbery. The woman and the boy have since been released on bail while the man has been released under investigation.

The similar reports this month have been of two people on an electric motorbike targeting pedestrians waiting at bus stops or crossing points, with the pillion passenger taking the phones. They’re described as wearing black clothing and with their faces covered.

Police said most of those targeted have been aged in their teens or 20s. Incidents have happened in areas including Colston Avenue, The Horsefair, Park Street, Prince Street, Redcliff Hill, Rupert Street, St Augustine’s Parade, Union Street and Whiteladies Road.

The force continues to carry out uniformed patrols across the city. Officers seized an electric motorbike, unconnected with the thefts, after it was spotted being ridden illegally in St Thomas Street yesterday (October 17).

Investigating officers are continuing to appeal for information on the phone snatching incidents. Avon and Somerset Police said: "If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5224272149, or complete our online appeals form."

"You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers."

Police advice on how to deter phone thieves

• Keep your phone out of sight in a pocket or bag when it’s not in use
• Use its security features to set up a PIN and a strong password/passcode
• Activate or install a tracking app
• Turn off message previews so reset or log-in codes can’t be seen when your phone is locked
• Back up regularly and keep a note of important information and numbers, including the IMEI, which you can find by typing *#06#.

Advice on settings and security hints and tips can be found on manufacturers’ websites: Help pages for iPhones and Help pages for Android phones

If you have reported your phone stolen, have a crime reference number and have yet to give a statement please contact us through our website If you don’t have a crime reference number please quote reference 5224272149.