The Curious Case of "Cinderella": A London Phone Snatcher’s Downfall
In a bizarre twist of fate, a London phone snatcher, dubbed “Cinderella” by the police, has admitted to theft after a crucial piece of evidence—a lost shoe—led to his identification. Spencer Duarte, 28, from Saffron Walden, found himself in the spotlight following a theft incident in the City of London on August 7, 2022.
The Incident
On that fateful day, Duarte was riding an e-bike when he snatched a mobile device from an unsuspecting victim. The theft occurred near Ludgate Hill, a bustling area known for its mix of business and leisure activities. In a dramatic turn of events, members of the public intervened, tackling Duarte to the ground. During the scuffle, he lost one of his trainers, which would later become a pivotal piece of evidence in the case.
CCTV Footage and the Shoe
After managing to escape, Duarte was captured on CCTV footage, notably wearing only one shoe. This peculiar detail caught the attention of the City of London Police, who quickly recognized the potential for forensic analysis. The shoe was sent for DNA testing, and the results revealed a match to Duarte’s profile on the national database.
Andrew Walker, a forensics manager at the City of London Police, remarked, “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. The slipper fitted our Cinderella.”
Arrest and Charges
Duarte’s luck ran out when he was spotted and arrested by Metropolitan Police officers on September 9, 2022. Following his arrest, he faced charges related to the theft. On September 12, 2022, he appeared at the Inner London Crown Court, where he pleaded guilty to one count of theft. The court proceedings highlighted not only the effectiveness of modern forensic techniques but also the importance of community vigilance in combating crime.
The Broader Context of Phone Theft in London
Duarte’s case is not an isolated incident. Between January and May 2025, there were 213 phones reported stolen in the City of London alone. This figure reflects a concerning trend, as the number of phone snatching incidents has been on the rise. For comparison, during the same period in the previous year, there were 294 reports of phone thefts, indicating a persistent issue that law enforcement agencies are striving to address.
Conclusion
The story of Spencer Duarte, the “Cinderella” phone snatcher, serves as a reminder of the intersection between crime and technology. It underscores the role of forensic science in modern policing and the importance of community involvement in ensuring public safety. As Duarte awaits sentencing, his case will likely resonate as a cautionary tale for would-be thieves, illustrating that even the smallest piece of evidence can lead to significant consequences.