Detectives are investigating dozens of mobile phone snatches carried out by two suspects riding extremely fast e-bikes across the West End.
As reported by the Standard last year, the £4,900 Sur-Ron off-road cycle is so lightweight it can reach speeds of up to 50mph in a few seconds, weaving through traffic.
City of London Police released images of 13 devices they are trying to return to their owners, believing them to have been stolen before 11.15am on Tuesday, March 26.
A spokesman said two men were seen on CCTV cameras riding Sur-Ron electric bikes and were identified as alleged phone snatchers.
Control room operators kept watch on them and resources were brought together from various policing tactical units to make one arrest at Bank Junction in the Square Mile.
Further investigations to locate the other suspect are ongoing, he added.
Sonny Stringer, 28, from Islington, has been charged with nine thefts, one robbery, dangerous driving and having no insurance.
He was remanded in custody and will appear at Isleworth Crown Court on April 22.
When journalists joined the Metropolitan Police’s elite Operation Venice squad on patrol last March, officers told them how Sur-Rons easily beat the 40 minutes it often takes a car to get from Green Park to Finsbury Park - a well-worn route - covering the distance in a fraction of the time.
Sur-Ron UK owner Andrew Shepherd said the firm is fully co-operating with law enforcement.
He added it was disappointing that e-bikes, originally designed for sport and to reduce noise or air pollution, were being misused.
His authorised dealerships require customers to provide their personal details and register a warranty to deter crime.
Mr Shepherd told the Standard: “We don’t want people committing crime on electric bikes and Sur-Ron is getting a bad name.
“The off-road variant should only ever be ridden on private land and never on the public highway.”
