Michelle Tsiakkas, known from Strictly Come Dancing, suffered a shocking mobile phone robbery in Covent Garden, drawing attention to a 20% rise in thefts across London, driven by organised gangs exploiting technology vulnerabilities.
Strictly Come Dancing star Michelle Tsiakkas has spoken out after falling victim to a shocking mobile phone robbery in London, highlighting a growing issue of street crime in the capital. The 29-year-old professional dancer, who appeared on the BBC show in 2023 paired with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick, recounted the traumatic incident on social media, revealing how an attacker on an electric bike snatched her phone as she was heading to a dental appointment in Covent Garden. The area was unusually quiet at the time, which she believes made her an easy target. During the snatch, Michelle lost her balance, falling and grazing her knee as she attempted to hold onto her phone. Despite her cries for help, the masked thief sped away, leaving her shaken but fortunately aided by two passersby.
Michelle’s story has brought renewed attention to a disturbing rise in mobile phone thefts across London. Recent statistics from the Metropolitan Police show a 20% increase in robberies from the previous year, with over 81,000 incidents involving phone theft recorded in 2023 alone—equating to nearly 37 thefts daily on the capital’s streets. High-profile hotspots include central areas such as St James’s Park and parts of the West End, known for their tourist footfall and crowded streets. Thefts often involve thieves on electric bikes or scooters, enabling quick getaways, as illustrated by Michelle’s experience.
Experts and law enforcement officials have identified organized criminal gangs as a major driver behind these opportunistic crimes, capitalising on the valuable data accessible via stolen smartphones. Many victims are unaware of the financial risks beyond the immediate loss, as thieves exploit weak security measures to access digital wallets, banking apps, and personal information. The financial fallout can be severe, ranging from fraudulent purchases to unauthorized loan applications. Increased police patrols and technological advancements in phone security are being employed to combat the trend, but experts argue that consumers must also adopt stronger cyber hygiene practices, such as faster device lockdown and cautious app management.
Despite these efforts, investigations into mobile phone thefts face significant challenges. Recent reports reveal that nearly half of all phone theft cases in London are not even screened for further police investigation, reflecting resource constraints and the sheer volume of complaints. In 2023, only around 52% of reported incidents progressed to active cases, leaving many victims without resolution. This lack of follow-through has sparked public concern and calls for both the police and phone manufacturers to do more. Authorities have pressed manufacturers to design phones that are less attractive to thieves, aiming to reduce the resale value of stolen devices and thus the incentive for criminals.
Stealing mobile phones has become a preferred tactic among drug gangs and other criminals, as these devices provide a fast and lucrative source of income. Apple products, in particular, are targeted heavily, representing about 80% of stolen phones according to the police. The scale and sophistication of these crimes underline the urgent need for combined efforts across policing, technology, and public awareness to stem the tide of thefts.
Michelle Tsiakkas’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder that mobile phone theft can happen to anyone, anywhere, often in broad daylight. Her candid sharing aims to raise awareness and caution among the public, encouraging vigilance especially in quieter or more isolated urban spots. As London grapples with this surge in crime, the challenge remains to protect residents and visitors alike from the physical, emotional, and financial harm caused by these increasingly brazen thefts.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no prior reports found online. The earliest known publication date of similar content is June 29, 2025. The report includes updated data on mobile phone thefts in London, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The narrative is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were identified.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
No direct quotes were identified in the provided text.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Mirror, a UK-based tabloid newspaper. While it is a well-known publication, it is often considered less reliable due to sensationalist reporting. The report includes references to official sources, such as the Metropolitan Police and The Guardian, which adds credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative presents a plausible account of a mobile phone robbery in London, a city that has experienced a rise in such incidents. The inclusion of updated statistics from the Metropolitan Police supports the plausibility of the claims. The language and tone are consistent with typical news reporting.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents a plausible and original account of a mobile phone robbery involving Michelle Tsiakkas in London. While the report includes updated statistics and references to official sources, the reliance on a press release and the publication’s reputation for sensationalism warrant further verification. The absence of direct quotes and the lack of prior reports on the incident suggest the content is original.
