Officers fired a Taser yesterday as they arrested a man, after a woman’s mobile phone was reportedly stolen in Hoxton by a thief on a moped.

Officers fired a taser during an arrest, after a woman’s mobile phone was reportedly stolen in Hoxton by a thief on a moped.

Police were called just after noon on Monday (September 21) to reports of the robbery, and tactical pursuit and containment (TPAC) officers in cars and motorbikes made their way to the scene.

Officers from Operation Venice, which tackles moped-enabled crime, are trained to bring pursuits to a conclusion by using specific methods such as forcing a fleeing car to abruptly turn sideways, causing the driver to lose control and stop.

An hour later, police officers deployed a taser as a man tried to get onto a moped.

A 30-year-old man was arrested for robbery, handling stolen goods, driving whilst unfit through the influence of alcohol or drugs, taking and driving away, and theft from a person.

Sgt Tony McGovern said the public can help Operation Venice by making sure valuable items are not visible and vehicles are properly secured using their ‘Lock, Chain and Cover’ advice.”