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 analysis, where they discovered Duarte's profile on their national database.
Duarte can be seen being stopped by a member of the public
X/CityPolice
Duarte, from Saffron Walden in Essexm was arrested on September 9, 2024, following the incident.
He appeared at Inner London Crown Court, where he admitted to one count of theft, and will be sentenced in September.
Forensics manager at the City of London Police, Andrew Walker, said: "We were able to get sufficient levels of DNA from the shoe to obtain a single, major profile that was suitable for searching against the national DNA database.
"This search generated a 'hit' to a male whose profile had previously been uploaded.
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Duarte tries to evade members of the public, with his shoe left in the background
X/CityPolice
"The slipper fitted our Cinderella, and we were able to bring him before the courts."
Between January and May 2025, there were 213 phones reported stolen in the City of London.
For the same period between January and April last year, there were 294 phone snatching reports.
Police Constable Jake Dean, of the City of London Police, said: "Do not come to the City and think you can steal from residents, workers or visitors without paying the penalty.
Duarte flees the scene, leaving his shoe behind
X/CityPolice
"Our targeted patrols, excellent police work, and extensive CCTV will mean you will be caught and brought to justice.
"Phone snatching has a significant impact on victims, and our key priority has been to reduce the number of phones stolen and relentlessly target those criminals responsible."
The Met Police advises people: "If you need to call or use your phone on the street, look out for anyone on a bike or a moped near you. Look up, look out.
"Make it quick so you don't become distracted."
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