This is the moment undercover officers foil an attempt to snatch a tourist’s mobile phone near Oxford Circus.
Sofian Hadar targeted a heart surgeon on holiday from Egypt in the West End and is seen stalking him from behind.
In the CCTV footage, within seconds of the 23-year-old swiping a device from the victim’s pocket police pounce on him as shoppers watch on in shock.
The male officer is seen putting his arm around Hadar’s neck.
Then together with a female colleague, they wrestle their suspect to the ground on Europe’s busiest precinct.
Metropolitan Police detectives - who were on Oxford Street proactively looking for thieves - noticed Hadar acting suspiciously and paying attention to people’s belongings.
The phone was returned to its owner who seems from the CCTV unaware it was even taken.
At Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, Hadar, of Cricklewood Broadway, pleaded guilty to theft and was jailed for 11 months.
Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, who leads on phone robbery and theft in the Met, said: “Thanks to these observant and fast-acting officers another mobile phone thief has been taken off the streets of London.
“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.
“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, officers have recovered more than 750 phones. Around 57,000 are stolen in London each year.
To report a phone robbery or theft, call 999 immediately or report on 101 or online.
