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London Metropolitan Police expand Sur-Ron electric bike fleet to combat phone theft and neighborhood crime

The Metropolitan Police have expanded their fleet of high-powered Sur-Ron electric bikes from five to 25 machines to better combat phone theft and robbery. These lightweight machines allow officers to navigate congested streets, narrow alleys, and even staircases where conventional police cars and motorcycles often struggle. The police have utilized these bikes to successfully pursue and arrest suspects, including a moped rider with false plates and a significant amount of hard drugs. Official statistics indicate that phone thefts in London have fallen by more than 13,000 offenses over the past year. Additionally, the Metropolitan Police reported a 14% decrease in neighborhood crime over the 12 months leading up to July. The expanded fleet was partly funded by profits confiscated from criminals, meaning the seized illegal e-bikes and e-scooters helped pay for the police's own vehicles. To further address the issue, the Metropolitan Police are also employing drones and license plate recognition technology to track down thieves. The force is working with tech giants like Apple and Alphabet to develop technology that ensures stolen devices are useless to anyone but the original owner.

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