A top Tory has torn into a London Labor council after it told local residents to let thieves take off with their possessions as a safety precaution.
Greenwich council published a video this morning warning locals to “stay safe when you're out”, adding that anyone unfortunate enough to have a phone or other possessions stolen should not confront the thief.
Alluding to threats of knife violence from criminals, the council added: “Holding onto your possessions is not worth risking your safety.”
However Lord Frost, the Tory peer and former cabinet minister, slammed the advice, accusing Greenwich of telling victims of crime to “just let thieves take your property”.
Referring to the council's advice to register lost property with a website which may make it “more likely” for them to be returned if recovered, Lord Frost added this is merely “submitting to the randomness of whether the police can be bothered to try recovering it.” for you”.
Other X users piled in, with one telling Greenwich Council: “How about you get a grip and make the streets safe?”
Another user added: “Not sure I agree with the sentiment you should never hold onto your possessions if someone tries to steal them. Obviously, depends on the circumstances…”
A third fumed: “The entire message here is GIVE UP. 'Accept people will just steal your things. In fact don't have nice things, they might get stolen. YOU are just making YOURSELF a target'. You don't have to live like this”.
In a press release from Greenwich Council on July 25, councilor Rachel-Taggart Ryan, cabinet member for community safety and enforcement said: “We want to improve the quality of life and health of our residents.
“No one should have to worry about being the victim of crime. Unfortunately, valuable theft is on the rise, but we are supporting the Police who are working to locate, arrest and prosecute perpetrators across the borough.
“Prevention is always better than cure though.
“There are things we can all do to protect ourselves and families by keeping valuables out of sight, or leaving them at home, and staying alert to what's going on around us.”
As well as phone thefts, the official advice also warns locals to be “mindful” when out and about and wearing designer coats, such as Trapstar, Moncler or Canada Goose.
They also advise to turn GPS on on your phone and pair with a trusted contact's division, which can help the police attempt to local stolen phones.
In the year to March 2024, Greenwich council saw 1,432 mobile phone thefts and robberies.
In February, five men were arrested after a hoard of stolen phones were found at their property in the borough.