The Met Police launched a campaign this week urging Londoners to take care of their valuables following a rise in street crime.

While overall crime in the capital continues to fall there has been a recent increase in street robbery. This year has seen a rise in the theft of high-value smart phones and digital media players. There has also been an increase in gold jewellery theft where stolen chains and necklaces are sold for cash through the second-hand market —largely driven by the high value of gold.

The campaign includes radio, roadside and online marketing raising awareness of how thieves see possessions as cash and remind the public to take care where they take their valuables.

Assistant Commissioner, Ian McPherson, said: “We’re asking the public to take some basic precautions. When you are out, where possible try to keep any valuables hidden. Many robberies happen when people check their phones just after leaving a train or underground station, or when they are going about their business and may be distracted. Young people too, especially secondary school children are targeted —usually after school by other young people.

Around 1,000 officers and PCSOs will also be engaging with school children across London as they start the new school year.