MPs Urged To Be "Wary" Of Mobile Phone Theft Near Parliament
1 min read
Government Whips have urged Labour MPs to be careful when using mobile phones near Westminster after "a number" reported having their devices stolen.
In a letter sent on Tuesday and seen by PoliticsHome, the Whips office has advised Labour MPs to be more "wary" when using their phones near the parliamentary estate.
“Colleagues should be aware that a number of MPs have had their phones snatched within the vicinity of the estate. Colleagues are reminded to be wary when not on the estate," it said.
Earlier this month, new Labour MP Chris Webb was attacked and mugged by a group of youths while he was walking back to his flat in south London.
The MP for Blackpool South said he was "attacked and mugged by a group of individuals" who were wearing balaclavas and riding bikes.
"Luckily, I have no injuries and I am ok. Unfortunately, they just took my phone, so I'm without one for the foreseeable future," he said at the time.
There is some concern that MPs could be hurt in the process of being assaulted.
Government figures released in September showed that snatch theft had increased by more than 150 per cent within the previous 12 months, with around 78,000 people having phones bags, wallets, and purses taken from them on the street.
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