Latest news with #Oxford Street
The Sun
09-08-2025
- The Sun
Lawless London's purple line warning tourists of scumbag pickpockets is a red flag to Broken Britain
LONDON has a new landmark – a purple line that runs along Oxford Street telling tourists and locals alike to: Mind the Grab. They are in the nation's phone-snatching hotspot. 7 And with a smartphone stolen every eight minutes in London, getting your device nicked by some two-wheeled scumbag is a very real possibility. 'Enough is enough,' says Ed Connolly, of electrical retailer Currys, who are behind the scheme. 'It's time to draw the line on phone theft. 'That's why we've launched the Mind the Grab campaign — a bold pavement marking we believe can make a real difference by encouraging people to step back from the kerb.' Good for Currys. But what a tragedy it is not our invisible police, the useless London Mayor or our spineless politicians who had the wit and will to say enough is enough. And what a crying shame it is the innocent, law-abiding and decent who must adapt their behaviour as thieving little bastards are allowed to run amok. But this is the country we now live in. There are voices on the Left who insist statistics prove crime's going down. But that is not the way it feels when you see the thin purple line on Oxford Street. And that is certainly not what the rest of the world believes. Degrade quality of life My family was in Lapland earlier this year when a fellow traveller was shocked to learn that we live in London. How business owners are cracking down on shoplifting 'Do you feel safe there?' she gasped. And she was from . . . Iran. But this view of the UK as a lawless land is growing. The Australian government warns its citizens to 'exercise a high degree of caution' when visiting the UK, because 'petty crime is common, including pickpocketing and thieves who use scooters and bicycles to snatch belongings'. It is not just Australia. New Zealand, France, Canada, the UAE and even Mexico — home of the drug cartels! — all warn their citizens to beware. 7 The heartbroken family of student Mohammed Algasim, 20, stabbed to death in an 'unprovoked' attack in Cambridge, say the UK is 'no longer safe' for visitors. Mr Algasim's family are from Saudi Arabia. And who would dare to contradict them? The Broken Windows Theory of crime states that visible signs of criminality — broken windows, graffiti, the stink of weed — create an urban environment that encourages further crime. And that is exactly where we are today. Last year around 80,000 people had their phones stolen in London. Yes, phone theft is horrible. But then so is burglary, shoplifting, mugging and knife crime. They all degrade and coarsen our quality of life. They all make us feel our loved ones are not safe on the streets where we live. Exactly 14 years on from the riots of the summer of 2011, you will hear many smug voices telling you Nigel Farage is wrong to speak of lawless Britain. I guess these people don't get out of the house much. Because as they close all of the police stations, the coppers withdraw from sight and the UK becomes the global centre of street crime, the UK sure as hell doesn't feel safer than it has ever been. Significantly, the Australian government gives the UK a Level 2 rating, reflecting 'a weak law and order system, where violent crime is common', and a country that 'may lack some key public services, such as a responsive police force'. Yes, that's us! The police will not save you. The courts will do bugger all. We are on our own now. Because there has clearly been a fraying of the social contract in this country. Meaning — the way we behave. Meaning — how we treat each other. Meaning — our sense of our rights and our duties. Meaning — the immutable standards, values and beliefs we all share. Meaning — communal sense of decency. Now, hurting someone you don't know is socially acceptable. There is nothing pathetic, nasty and cruel about taking something that doesn't belong to you. Shoplifting, phone theft, mugging, assault — it is no big deal. And it ends with a student, a beloved son who was thrilled to be in the UK for ten weeks, bleeding to death. The decline of the social contract means we are becoming a nation fit for thieving, violent little scumbags. And I fear it will take more than a thin purple line to stop them. Arrest E-bike idiots THE backlash against e-bikes has begun. One London council, Hounslow, has terminated its contract with Lime after two years following complaints about 'antisocial parking' on pavements. Writing in The Times, Agustin Guilisasti, co-founder and CEO of e-bike company Forest, calls for greater clarification about the rules and regulations around his booming industry. These would be good rules. Every e-bike that is abandoned on a pavement should be removed and destroyed. And the law should treat e-bike users like motorists. When they race through red lights, gawping gormlessly at their phone at 30 mph – nick the morons. Business is booming for the e-bike companies. But they are aware that many of us heartily despise them. Hounslow council has decided to end its contract with Lime and hand the reins to rivals Forest and Voi to 'maintain clear pavements and discourage poor parking'. Good luck with that. As far as I can tell from my neck of the woods, they – and the people who use them – are all as thoughtless as each other. E-bikes are not saving our towns, cities or planet. They are wrecking them. Name shame 7 BACK in the Sixties they asked, would you let your daughter go with a Rolling Stone? Now the question is, would you name your baby after a Rolling Stone? Probably not. Keith is no longer in the top 100 names. Neither is Mick. All those 'dad' names – Steve is another one, and Ian and Nigel – are on the way out. As is Tony. Nobody would call their baby Tony these days. One of us launches an unnecessary and unprovoked war against Iraq on fabricated evidence and suddenly our name is mud. Still a trump card 7 I HAD my doubts about the Tory scheme to send illegal migrants to Rwanda. Too legally complicated, I thought. And too prohibitively expensive. The £700million scheme was promptly ditched when Labour won the election. But how galling that Rwanda is now taking 250 migrants from the US under Donald Trump's removal system. And their pleasant accommodation in Rwanda will be paid for by the British taxpayer. Perhaps Rwanda will work as a deterrent after all. And it will certainly be a much greater deterrent to illegal migration than Labour's 'one-in, one-out' deal with France, meaningless sound bites about 'smashing the gangs'. And Home Secretary Yvette Cooper looking very, very cross. OZZY OSBOURNE'S death certificate describes the Black Sabbath supremo as a 'songwriter, performer and rock legend'. That sounds like a good job. What's the money like? Home front LABOUR'S minister for homelessness, Rushanara Ali, has resigned after turfing four tenants out of her London rental property – and then re-listing the same gaff for £700 a month more! Hypocritical? Undoubtedly. But you must admire Ali's flair for economic growth. Perhaps she should be Chancellor. Top Marks for putting Aimee in Christmas ads WITH only 137 days to Christmas, thoughts turn inevitably to the big Yuletide commercials. Marks & Spencer has signed Aimee Lou Wood to front its Christmas campaign – a definite upgrade of last year's effort (Dawn French as an unfunny fairy). Aimee was the best thing in the third series of The White Lotus. The Stockport-born actress, 31, is glamorous yet approachable, charismatic yet relatable. She seems nice. Very British. The perfect fit to front a Christmas campaign for an institution like M&S. Aimee definitely has a girl-next-door quality. If you happen to live next door to one of the hottest names in Hollywood.
Daily Mail
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Princess Andre puts on a brave face at beauty event after her mother Katie Price condemned her upcoming documentary amid their 'growing rift'
Princess Andre put on a brave face at a beauty event on Thursday night after her mother Katie Price condemned her upcoming documentary on ITV2. The influencer, 18, attended the opening of the Space NK's new Oxford Street store in London where she looked stylish in a white top and baggy jeans. It comes just hours Katie condemned her upcoming ITV2 documentary as she broke her silence on reports of a 'feud' between the pair. In her latest podcast episode of The Katie Price Show, the mother-of-five insisted that her issue was not with Princess but in fact her daughter's management - who also work with her ex-husband Peter Andre. At the Space NK event Princess posed up a storm in her stylish outfit which she completed with white trainers. She wore her long blonde tresses in her usual curly style and opted for a bronzed makeup look. The influencer, 18, attended the opening of the Space NK's new Oxford Street store in London where she looked stylish in a white top and baggy jeans Calling Princess her 'best friend' on Thursday, Katie, 46, said that she fell out with the management team when she split from Peter, explaining: 'I always said over my dead body would I ever want her to manage my kids because she doesn't like me and Pete and I don't talk. 'I was very, very, very upset that Princess signed with them when she was 16', she said ahead of Princess' documentary which airs this Sunday at 9pm on ITV2. Katie added that Princess' management thought of her as 'trash', before claiming that she was deliberately cut out of the show because she's 'not welcome'. Katie and her producer Glenn then alleged ITV and the management team turned down her offer to film for free for three days. An ITV2 spokesperson has since denied claims that the channel didn't want Katie involved in her daughter's show. Growing rumours of a 'rift' between the mother-daughter duo have been growing in recent weeks after Katie didn't appear at Princess' 18th birthday party. Reports then claimed the former glamour model was allegedly 'banned' from appearing on the nepo baby 's fly-on-the-wall ITV television series. On her podcast, Katie said: 'I want to clear up some rumours. I'm going to be very articulate and just real, being honest and telling the truth. 'Princess' show The Princess Diaries comes out Sunday and there has been all of these rumours that there is a rift between me and Princess. 'There is absolute no rift between me and Princess. We have never, ever, ever, ever had an argument to this day or a disagreement. 'We get on like best friends, mother and daughter. Princess lives with me and she stays with her dad. She has been staying her dads the past two months because she has been filming her show. Our personal life together is amazing. 'People need to know when I was with Pete we were both managed by the same management and people will know who that is if they watch our shows and she managed Pete before he was in the jungle. 'She controlled the narrative of me and Pete, photoshoots, when we could hold hands, she was the dominator of it all.' Katie continued: 'And when I split with Pete, obviously Pete stayed with that management and kept me and Pete apart which people know and then it started that 'team Pete, team Kate' thing which was out of my control. 'And I always said over my dead body would I ever want her to manage my kids because she doesn't like me and Pete and I don't talk. I am very, very, very upset that Princess has signed with them when she was 16. 'I wasn't asked to look at any contract so I don't know what contract Princess has signed because it is all to do with that side. People need to realise because of that management and Pete, I am very disregarded as a mum, in fact I am nothing to them and never will be. 'Now she is managing Princess and Junior it is out of my control. I want the best for them always, I will never get in the way of it. 'But what hurts my feelings and it does upset me is when your kids grow up you go to their assemblies, their Christmas things, their awards, football matches, you are involved in everything they do. 'And knowing what my career has been, Princess has taken that same path and trying to do what I done which I absolutely love and adore of Princess but I have not been allowed to go on any photoshoot, no signings or Superdrug openings. 'Why? Because I'm not allowed and not welcome and it puts people in a situation because I don't want her to feel she has to choose between me and her work because I want her to do well. 'I have said to Princess just how it feels to me because I should be there to support you "I'm your mum, I'm proud of you" - but they think I am trash basically. 'Everyone knows she's my daughter so what different does it make? I find it an insult because I've been in the industry 30 years and if there is anyone better to advise or be there it is me.' Princess' television show focuses on her home life with her father Peter, his wife Emily and big brother Junior, as well as her career as an influencer. She added: 'Princess' 18th, I was away because I didn't want it rubbed in my face that the day of her birthday she has a party that I was not allowed to go to. 'The reason is because Pete doesn't want to be in the same room as me because I'm his ex. When the kids get older or get married, can only one parent can be there? I disagree. 'Just because people break up, it shouldn't stop both parents supporting their children. In her new show it will show Pete, Emily and the management all in the show. 'I don't want people to think I'm not in the show, the reason I am not in it is because I am not allowed. ITV you explain this bit. We have evidence and proof of everything that we are telling the truth. Glenn our producer is back in to add to the conversation. 'It is really serious because it affects my mental health all of this and I am not having all of this rift her trying to come between me and Pete.' Katie and Sophie's producer Glenn said: 'The television production company who are producing it are called Optimum. We got an email from them months ago asking if they can use several videos from our YouTube channel. 'Things like you going to nail bars, they wanted to use that in the show. Old footage of you and Princess out together. She was about 15 that was before she was managed by Cann management. 'So I am a TV producer by trade and from my perspective Optimum want to tell the story that you are their mother and that is the only way they can do it.' Sophie added: 'Even though Sophie would be willing to film footage with no fees.' Glenn: 'So we went back and said if you want to use footage of them together you can film fresh new footage of them together exactly, three days for free absolutely no cost and they came back and said no. 'So they obviously want to tell the story that your her mother from a TV perspective but it seems like powers from higher up are not wanting to do that. We offered free footage and they didn't want to take it.' Katie continued: 'I won't be watching the show and I won't be promoting the show because I don't need it rubbed in my face of everyone playing happy families and disregarding me as the other parent. 'Although I support Princess in everything she does, I think it is really wrong for her at her age to be put into this situation. 'I think Princess will be too scared to tell the truth that dad and her management wouldn't let mum in it. Princess shouldn't have that pressure, she should be enjoying it and not worry about what her parents think.' Princess recently revealed she 'wished she had a happier childhood' as she opened up about the 'dark times' she faced while growing up in her documentary. The rising star addressed the traumatic memories during her childhood, including her mum's high-profile breakups. She candidly admitted: 'I did have a counsellor, I do still see her every now and then. But I don't feel like I can really talk, so I just write everything down in my notes. 'I do wish, like, I could have had a more happier childhood. In the sense of like, I had so many things on my plate at a young age.'
The Independent
07-08-2025
- The Independent
Purple lines have been painted on Oxford Street. Here's why
Currys, the UK's largest electrical retailer, has launched a 'mind the grab' campaign in London to combat the surge in phone snatching. The initiative involves painting purple lines on Oxford Street pavements, advising shoppers to step away from the kerb and keep their mobile phones hidden. This campaign, a collaboration with police and Westminster Council, addresses the rising issue of phone theft, often by criminals on mopeds or e-bikes. Data reveals a significant problem, with 94 phones stolen daily last year across the UK, and 34,203 thefts recorded in Westminster in 2024. Currys is also training staff to support victims and provide safety advice to customers.
Daily Mail
06-08-2025
- Daily Mail
What a joke! Fury on Oxford Street after purple STICKER telling shoppers to beware of phone snatchers appears... as Brits call for more police
Shoppers on Oxford Street have called the street sticker warning people of phone snatchers a 'joke' and believe higher police presence on the busy road would be a more effective deterrent. The purple sticker is an initiative by Curry's to remind people to be mindful of using their phones on theft hotspot where one phone is snatched every 15 minutes. It features a graphic of a hand holding a mobile phone and the slogan 'Mind the Grab' and is positioned in front of Curry's and Miniso. One man, who asked to remain anonymous, told Daily Mail: 'The fact Curry's have had to put this sticker outside is a joke. 'The police don't care, they'd rather be separating peaceful protesters or escorting migrants to hotels. 'No one gives a f*** if your phone with all of your pictures and emails and basically your whole life gets snatched by some lowlife on a bike they probably stole as well.' Elsewhere, student Hareleen, 27, said: 'I think there just needs to be more police presence. There's more tourists around here so it's going to be targeted more for theft. 'This would never happen somewhere like Dubai because people there know they will be punished for it. 'You could leave you phone and suitcase on the street over there and no one would dare to steal it.' Some believe just a few officers being present in the area would help the issue. Samia, 21, said: 'I think the sticker is a nice reminder for people, but the police should be patrolling up and down or standing around so that people are scared to snatch phones.' However, one shopper had doubts over whether or not the Met Police have the resources to do so. Omkar, 22, said: 'Ideally there would be more police walking around, but that's man power and man power costs money.' 'It's kind of out of their control now. They could get control of it again, if they are able to get more officers out.' The student said he once lost his phone in his home country Mumbai and police still helped him get it back even though it wasn't stolen. 'Phone snatching isn't a thing in Mumbai, you can leave phone on side and no one will touch it. It's a high trust society. It's not as high trust here.' Massimo, 51, from Italy, said: 'Everyone has their head buried in their phones all the time, but if they put them in their pockets and actually looked around at the world instead, then the phone snatchers wouldn't be able to take them' Friends Benedict and Chloe were huddled by the wall of Curry's shielding their phones as they looked on their maps for directions. Benedict, 21, said: 'I was here last week at 7pm and I heard someone screaming. They had their phone stolen, it was so bad. Chloe added: 'There does need to be more police walking around. Our friend had her phone snatched here as well.' Meanwhile, a tourist who was shopping with his family believes people are too addicted to their phones and phone theft can be avoided if they simply put them in their pockets. Massimo, 51, from Italy, said: 'I don't like smart phones, I only have one for work. 'Everyone has their head buried in their phones all the time, but if they put them in their pockets and actually looked around at the world instead, then the phone snatchers wouldn't be able to take them.' The public's general opinion echoes that of London 's Conservative leader who called for proactive policing to take priority in the capital after the Met endorsed the anti-phone theft street art. Susan Hall has hit out at the initiative by Currys and accused Mayor of London Sadiq Khan of an 'abdication of responsibility'. Top Metropolitan Police brass threw their weight behind the 'Mind the Grab' publicity stunt, which has been permitted by the Labour-controlled Westminster Council, in the hopes it reduces thefts on a street where a phone is stolen every 15 minutes. Researchers at the Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research at Birkbeck University will be studying the line to see if it encourages people to put their phones away and reduce theft levels - a principle known as 'nudge theory'. Experts reckon the combination of the visual reminder, and the play on the London Underground 's famous 'Mind the Gap' slogan, will make people think twice. But the Met's endorsement of the scheme has prompted some criticism and calls for the force to focus on catching criminals. Conservative leader Ms Hall asked: 'How much money was wasted on this useless signage that could have been spent on policing Oxford Street and getting a grip on this endemic phone theft? 'It's a complete abdication of responsibility by Sadiq Khan and it makes my blood boil that more Londoners are having their phones stolen because of his inaction. He needs to get a grip, fast.' The campaign, supported by Westminster Council and the Met Police, has been criticised for scaring people about phone thefts, rather than tackling the criminals themselves. Currys says it plans to expand the scheme to other stores over time, with hopes of working with the government and local authorities to remind people to keep their phones hidden away in the open. But Norman Brennan, a former police detective in London, called the campaign a 'nonsensical gimmick', and called for more police officers to tackle the phone theft crisis. He said: 'If you want to stop phone thefts, you want police officers on streets not purple lines. 'We need to have 50 to 100 motorcyclists on duty 24/7 so that the streets of London have quick response units to challenge motorbike thefts. 'Police motorcyclists are class one drivers which means they are experts who can catch criminals quickly. 'We have people from foreign countries saying beware about crime when they come to London. 'The mayor and prime minister should be ashamed that countries around the world are saying beware of our crime. 'What is it going to achieve, a purple line? People want to see a police officer to be patrolling the streets that reassures them and makes them feel safe. 'All of these nonsensical gimmicks, we don't want gimmicks we want police officers on our streets and a justice system that protects members of the public.' The black market for smartphones is said to be driving soaring rates of theft, robbery and knife crime – with some criminals who were once involved in drug crime pivoting towards smartphone theft and robbery as an alternative means of illicit income. Gangs of teens on bikes are said to be committing up to 20 thefts at a time in parts of London, with three-quarters of stolen devices in the capital being sent abroad. High Streets UK, a group representing 5,000 UK firms, has calling for ring-fenced funding for police to protect key shopping destinations including Oxford Street. The campaign to add a warning has been launched by Curry's which is installing the purple line outside its store on Oxford Street. The retailer has also set up a training scheme for its staff to offer support to victims of phone theft. The Metropolitan Police Service is supporting the campaign, which they said is 'part of its strategy' to tackle phone theft. The force announced it would roll out an additional 80 officers in the West End last week in a mass crackdown on petty crime including shoplifting and phone theft. Superintendent Natasha Evans, the Met's local policing lead for Westminster, said: 'Officers are relentlessly pursuing criminal gangs intent on committing robbery and phone theft. 'We have increased patrols in hotspot areas to identify and deter perpetrators – and robbery has reduced by 20 per cent in the West End since April. 'We are putting extra officers into central London to help drive forward our focus on reducing crime and bringing offenders to justice. 'We're also working closely with businesses in the area and support the campaign by Currys to encourage people to be aware of their surroundings to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.' While Oxford Street has lost big names such as Topshop, House of Fraser, Miss Selfridge, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams in recent years, it has also seen a major new Ikea store and HMV reopen its old flagship outlet. And London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has said he wants to pedestrianise 0.7 miles of the street as part of a regeneration project despite warnings this could make it a crime-ridden 'no-go area'. Westminster Council granted permission for the study to be trialled on one of the capital's busiest streets. Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection of Westminster City Council said: 'As part of our ongoing efforts to keep residents and visitors safe, we are pleased to support Currys' innovative approach to reducing phone theft. 'This campaign is a great example of how we are working with partners to raise awareness about phone thefts and promote simple measures to stay safe in public spaces, such as keeping valuables out of sight and planning routes home in advance. 'Working closely with the Met and other partners in the Safer Westminster Partnership, we are committed to identifying the key crime and disorder issues facing our city and making the West End a safer place for visitors, residents and businesses.' Ed Connolly, Chief Commercial Officer at Currys added: 'Phone theft isn't just about losing a device - it's frightening, invasive, and cuts people off from their loved ones, their money, and their daily lives. 'Enough is enough. It's time to draw the line on phone theft - that's why we've launched the Mind the Grab campaign: a bold pavement marking we believe can make a real difference by encouraging people to step back from the kerb.' 'This trial aims to raise awareness and encourage behaviour changes to help people feel safer. And if the worst happens, we're here to help. 'Our Oxford Street store colleagues will support victims - from calling loved ones and the police, to cancelling cards and helping them get home safely. Because practical, human support in those moments really matters.' Kate Johnston, Director of Business & Fundraising at the independent UK charity Crimestoppers, which is also backing the initiative, said: 'Mobile phone theft is not just a statistic—it's a crime that leaves people feeling vulnerable and shaken. At Crimestoppers, our mission is to help make communities safer, and tackling the surge in phone theft is a crucial part of that work. 'Innovative approaches like Currys 'Mind the Grab' campaign, which uses clear visual cues such as the purple line to remind people to step back from the kerb and keep their phones out of sight, show how simple, well-designed interventions can raise awareness and change behaviour to reduce crime.' 'Prevention is only part of the solution. If you see suspicious behaviour or witness a theft, report it anonymously to Crimestoppers. 'Your information, no matter how small, could help prevent further crimes and keep our streets safer for everyone. Together, by staying vigilant, adopting these simple safety habits, and sharing what we know, we can make a real difference.'
The Independent
06-08-2025
- The Independent
Purple pavement markings part of Mind the Grab campaign to tackle phone theft
Purple lines with the warning 'Mind the Grab' have been marked on London's busy Oxford Street to help tackle phone theft. The campaign, which is supported by the Metropolitan Police, Westminster Council and Crimestoppers, features the markings on the pavement at the central London location that is usually packed with shoppers, commuters and tourists. Theft hotspots in Westminster last year saw a mobile being stolen every 15 minutes and 77% of Britons view phone snatching as a significant problem in the UK, rising to 88% in large cities such as London, according to research commissioned by tech retailer Currys. The wording on the purple markings, which is inspired by London Underground's 'Mind the Gap' catchphrase, aims to remind pedestrians to step back from the kerb, keep their phone hidden and reduce their risk of snatch and grab theft. The Metropolitan Police said the campaign is part of its strategy to tackle phone theft. Superintendent Natasha Evans, the Met's local policing lead for Westminster, said: 'Officers are relentlessly pursuing criminal gangs intent on committing robbery and phone theft. 'We have increased patrols in hotspot areas to identify and deter perpetrators – and robbery has reduced by 20% in the West End since April. 'We are putting extra officers into central London to help drive forward our focus on reducing crime and bringing offenders to justice. 'We're also working closely with businesses in the area and support the campaign by Currys to encourage people to be aware of their surroundings to reduce the risk of becoming a victim.' The campaign is run by Currys and the University of London's Institute for Crime & Justice Policy Research (ICPR), in an effort to raise awareness and cut down on the numbers of high street phone thefts. Aicha Less, deputy leader and cabinet member for children and public protection of Westminster City Council, said the campaign aims to raise awareness about phone thefts and promote simple measures to stay safe in public spaces, such as keeping valuables out of sight and planning routes home in advance. It is part of 'identifying the key crime and disorder issues facing our city and making the West End a safer place for visitors, residents and businesses,' she said. Ed Connolly, Currys chief commercial officer, said: 'Phone theft isn't just about losing a device, it's frightening, invasive, and cuts people off from their loved ones, their money and their daily lives. 'Enough is enough. It's time to draw the line on phone theft – that's why we've launched the Mind the Grab campaign – a bold pavement marking we believe can make a real difference by encouraging people to step back from the kerb.' Kate Johnston, director of business and fundraising at the independent UK charity Crimestoppers, said: 'Mobile phone theft is not just a statistic, it's a crime that leaves people feeling vulnerable and shaken.' She described the campaign as an 'innovative approach' which uses clear visual cues, and urged pedestrians to be vigilant. She said: 'Prevention is only part of the solution.
