Eight suspected handlers of mobile phones snatched by moped riders were arrested this morning during dawn raids in Havering, Newham and Tower Hamlets.

Police seized about £30,000 in cash, 20 to 30 stolen phones, laptops and camera equipment after storming six addresses in a crackdown against moped crime.

A “substantial amount” of evidence detailing the movement of electrical goods abroad was also found, officers said.

Met and City of London police officers arrested eight males on suspicion of conspiracy to handle stolen goods, all of whom remain in custody.

The raids formed part of Operation Venice, the Met’s bid to tackle moped-related crime.

Speaking the day of the raids, Det Insp Steve Browlee of Op Venice said: “Today’s operation has been incredibly successful and will have seriously dented the organised group assisting with the distribution of stolen property abroad from moped snatches.”

Scotland Yard “is actively targeting moped criminals”, he added.