Crime · Ruislip Manor ·
Rider mounts pavement in apparent phone snatch on Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor
A driver's dashcam filmed a rider on a bike riding onto the pavement outside shops near Ruislip Manor station on the evening of Thursday 8 October. Anyone who saw it, or was targeted, is being asked to contact the police.
Video: @Ticktoker_
Dashcam footage appears to show a rider on a bike going up onto the pavement on Victoria Road in Ruislip Manor to snatch a phone from a pedestrian.
It happened at about 7.25pm on Thursday 8 October, outside the row of shops near Ruislip Manor Underground station. The station is served by the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines.
Footage shared with UB1UB2 was filmed by a driver waiting in traffic. It shows the rider leaving the road, mounting the kerb and heading straight for people walking along the pavement. Seconds later the rider, who was wearing dark clothing, has gone.
What is and isn't known
The Metropolitan Police has not publicly confirmed the incident. It is not known whether a phone was taken, whether anyone was hurt, or whether the theft was reported at the time.
No arrest has been announced. Nothing has been released about who the rider might be, beyond the dark clothing seen in the footage.
At that time on a weekday evening, Victoria Road is usually busy with commuters coming out of the station and people visiting its shops, cafes and takeaways.
How to report it
Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 or report online through the Metropolitan Police website. Always call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is happening.
You can also pass on information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you have dashcam or doorbell footage from Victoria Road from around that time, police ask that you keep it, as it could help any investigation.
Protecting your phone
The Metropolitan Police tells people to stay aware of their surroundings when using a phone in the street, especially near the kerb, where thieves on bikes and mopeds can grab it as they pass.
The force also suggests writing down your phone's IMEI number, which you can find by dialling *#06#. If your phone is stolen, report it to your network provider straight away so it can be blocked, and report it to the police.
Police say you should also turn on your phone's built-in tracking and anti-theft features, and change the passwords for your email, banking and other accounts on the device as soon as you can after a theft.