CCTV footage shows Met officers tackling phone thief in Oxford Circus

Dramatic video footage released by the Met shows cops foil an attempted phone theft in one of London’s busiest streets. 

In the footage, which was captured near Oxford Circus on August 30, a man can be seen following an unsuspecting tourist and attempting to remove a mobile phone from his pocket, before being tackled by two plain clothes officers, who were on the look out for thieves. 

Officers arrested Sofian Hadar, 23, of Cricklewood Broadway, Cricklewood, and returned the mobile phone to its owner, a heart surgeon on holiday from Egypt. 

On Wednesday, Hadar pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced to 11 months in prison at Isleworth Crown Court. 

Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, who leads on phone robbery and theft in the Met, said: “We understand the impact robbery can have on victims and we also recognise that there is still much more to do to tackle the problem as we make London safer. 

Footage shows two plain clothes Met officers tackle Sofian Hadar in Oxford Circus (Picture: The Met)

“Met officers are targeting resources in hotspot areas with increased patrols and plain clothes officers – and this result makes clear this approach is having a positive impact. 

“We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been the victim of a robbery or theft so officers can attend the scene and investigate swiftly.” 

Between January and June 2024, police have recovered more than 750 stolen phones. 

To report a phone robbery or theft – call 999 immediately, or report on 101 or online. For more information on how to protect your phone from theft visit: Protect your phone | Metropolitan Police.

Pictured top: Sofian Hadar has been sentenced to 11 months in prison (Picture: The Met)