Number of thieves fleeing on e-scooters has TREBLED in a year

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The number of thieves using and to make speedy getaways has almost trebled in the past year, figures reveal.<br>Shocking statistics also show a 41 per cent rise in gadgets stolen, with almost 300 snatched in alone every day in 2022.<br>In total, there were 108,900 gadget thefts, including 89,633 mobile phones, in the capital last year.<br>And thieves are increasingly using electric means of transport, which can be hired in cities around the country, slot to escape after stealing from members of the public.<br>Criminals used electric bikes in 1,397 gadget thefts last year and e-scooters in 424, an increase of 185 per cent, it was revealed in Freedom of Information requests to Scotland Yard and City of London Police.<br> (File Photo) Shocking statistics show a 41 per cent rise in gadgets stolen, with almost 300 snatched in London alone every day in 2022<br> (File Photo) Thieves are increasingly using electric means of transport, which can be hired in cities around the country<br>Disturbingly, the use of knives and other weapons also rose by 6 per cent.

There were 2,341 thefts of gadgets such as phones, tablets and laptops using weapons in 2021 but last year this increased to 2,480.<br>The thieves wielding these weapons were responsible for 180 injuries, 35 per cent up on the previous year.<br>In May 2022, Ciucur Munteanu, 19, attacked a university student with a machete during a terrifying daytime robbery in Longsight, Manchester, leaving his victim with damaged tendons.<br>Munteanu was jailed for six years last September.

Dan Simson, from Direct Line, which commissioned the research, said: ‘Not all thefts will be reported, so in reality, this number is likely to be much higher.<br>’Criminals are also becoming increasingly brazen, using e-bikes and e-scooters to make a quick getaway.<br>’It’s important to ensure your personal gadgets are covered by your home insurance when out and about as well as at home.<br>’It’s worth checking if they are covered by your existing policy and if not, you may want to consider additional personal possessions cover.'<br>The charity Crimestoppers advises the public that they should keep expensive gadgets out from view and avoid storing them in one place.<br>The law states that e-scooters can be used on public roads only if rented as part of a Government-backed trial scheme.

They must be taxed and insured. Privately owned scooters can be used only on private land.<br>