Met launch anti-theft campaign

Police have revealed a shocking surge in thefts of mobile phones in London.

Ten thousand were stolen in December alone - that's more 300 every day.

Scotland Yard released the figures as it launched a new advertising campaign warning Londoners about the risks of becoming a victim.

Rags Martel reports.

The Metropolitan Police have launched a new anti-left campaign following a rise in mobile phone thefts in the capital. Rags Martel of ITV London News gives you his tips for keeping your belongings safe in London

According to figures released by the Metroplitan Poilce a total of 9,751 mobiles were stolen in thefts or robberies last month - a 64 per cent rise on the number stolen in London in December three years ago. That is a staggering 300 a day. For tips on how to keep your phone safe:click here.

• Ensure it's harder for thieves to get at your phone by making a habit of keeping it in a secure or zipped pocket.
• If you are getting out your phone out in the street, don't attract attention to it - try to avoid texting/checking it as you are walking along.

• Take special care when taking it out as you emerge from public transport hubs - these are often hotspots.
• Keeping both hands on the phone and holding it on the side of your body away from the street can make it harder for the thieves.

• Never leave your phone unattended in a public place and don't leave it lying in front of you on a table as you could become prey to distraction theft.
• Don't leave your phone in an unattended car - if you must, lock it out of sight. It only takes a second for your window to smashed.

The Met have launched a new street robbery campaign in an attempt to combat the peak in thefts they see each January. In particular the latest campaign will focus on mobile phone theft.

The campaign offers advice on how best to stop yourself becoming the victim of one of these street robberies.

They have also released footage of the thieves' newest tactic, the 'ride by.'