US EditionPhone snatcher caught with DNA from lost shoe
- Spencer Duarte, a 28-year-old from Saffron Walden, admitted theft of a phone stolen in Ludgate Hill, London, on August 7, 2024.
- The theft occurred when Duarte snatched a phone from a victim's hand, was tackled by a passer-by, lost a shoe, rucksack, and phones before escaping on his e-bike.
- Police analyzed DNA from Duarte's lost trainer, matched it to a profile on the national DNA database, and subsequently arrested him on September 9 after CCTV review.
- Andrew Walker, City of London Police Physical Forensics Manager, said they obtained sufficient DNA to generate a hit on Duarte, and he pleaded guilty to one count of theft on Monday at Inner London Crown Court.
- Duarte is scheduled to be sentenced on September 12, and police emphasized their commitment to pursuing phone thieves through patrols, evidence, and public cooperation.
14 Articles
14 Articles
'Cinderella' phone snatcher caught after police found DNA that meant 'slipper fitted'
A London phone snatcher who has been dubbed "Cinderella" by police has admitted to theft after DNA in his lost shoe connected him with an incident in Ludgate Hill. After stealing a mobile phone, Spencer Duarte's trainer came off after he was being tackled off his e-bike by members of the public.The incident, which happened on August 7, 2024, also saw Duarte lose his rucksack as well.Officers from the City of London Police sent the shoe for DNA a…
The Echo UK
Essex phone thief caught due to 'Cinderella' moment as he left shoe at crime scene
AN Essex phone snatcher has been arrested after forensic investigators matched his DNA to the shoe he left behind, police have revealed.
Shoe left behind in scuffle foils ‘Cinderella’ phone snatcher
A phone snatcher was tackled off his e-bike by members of the public, with a left-behind shoe allowing investigators to match his DNA to the trainer which led to his arrest. CCTV footage released by City of London Police on Monday (23 June) shows Spencer Duarte, 28, of Saffron Walden, riding the bike through London moments after stealing a phone out of a victim’s hand. A passer-by who witnessed the incident on 7 August 2024, then tackled Duarte …
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