A prolific mobile phone thief has been jailed for more than two years following a snatching spree across central London.
Oliver Brady, 27, of Grange Road, Edmonton, was sentenced at the Old Bailey to two years and three months in prison. He admitted two counts of theft, seven counts of handling stolen goods, and was found guilty of common assault, driving offences, and breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.
Brady’s crime spree began early on 6 February 2025 when he stole a phone from visually impaired victim Neda Rana on Fetter Street. The sudden snatch caused her to fall, leaving her emotionally and physically shaken.
“The shock, the pain… it was emotionally exhausting,” Neda said.
Later that morning, Brady struck again outside Haberdashers’ Hall, snatching a phone from Nicky Jones. However, quick-thinking witness Alex South, an Assistant Beadle, intervened and forced Brady to drop the device.
“I’m so glad I got my phone back,” Nicky said. “I was quite shaken. It happened so fast.”
Brady then attempted another theft on Cock Lane, but the intended victim’s phone was successfully recovered.
In total, Brady was found carrying nine mobile phones, three of which were confirmed stolen in the City of London and have since been returned to their rightful owners. Six other phones had been taken across the wider Metropolitan Police area, including from Malet Street, King’s College London, and Camden. Victims have been able to collect their devices from Bishopsgate police station.
As part of an awareness campaign, the City of London Police has placed blue plaques along the pavements where the snatches occurred, warning pedestrians to stay vigilant.
Detective Sergeant Amy Westall praised the quick response from members of the public and police officers:
“Thanks to the public and swift police action, we were able to recover the phones and bring Brady to justice. We urge people to set up Medical ID and ensure their phones are marked to help us reunite lost or stolen devices with their owners.
Police continue to encourage the public to register devices and take precautions to prevent theft.
Anyone who believes they had their phone stolen on 6 February 2025 is urged to contact the City of London Police.
