Londoners face losing their phones every time they step outside, due to the skyrocket in phone thefts in London in 2024.
Phone thefts in London have dramatically increased in the past five years, from around 67,000 in 2019 to just over 94,000 in 2023.
Government figures state that phone snatchings have increased in the UK by 150% in the last year and statistics show that a phone is stolen every six minutes.
These rates seemed to only increase further in 2024 with 78,000 thefts being reported in England and Wales by the end of March.
Three-quarters of that 78,000 (nearly 60,000) were reported solely in London.
Unsurprisingly, touristy areas such as central London and Westminster appear to be where these thefts happen the most.
The Met Police recorded a 71% increase in phone thefts in Westminster from the previous year.
Witnesses and victims often note that perpetrators carry out phone thefts while using bikes or mopeds to avoid detection.
Journalist Susan Li was a recent victim of phone theft when she had her iPhone 16 pro max stolen in Charing Cross.
She said: “I had my phone ripped out of my hands on the streets.
“It was a thief that came up from behind grabbed the phone and then ran away.
“This is scary, I have to say. You feel violated.
“It’s sad because I used to live here for a year and I love this city, and so you just have to be careful because people are desperate.
“The police tell me that this is happening quite frequently, where thieves on mopeds, and now on foot are coming up to individuals and ripping phones out of their hands. So they recommend tethering your items to yourself to protect yourself.”
Other people argue that the police are not quick enough to tackle phone-related crimes, which could have led to the increase, as criminals feel as though they can get away with it.
London University student Ben Hughes said: “Phone theft is an endless fear for me in most areas in London. Most times, I don’t get my phone out which could have simply been fixed if more police officers would patrol high-risk areas.
“I haven’t been able to have my phone out in the area I live, even not going to certain places at all.”
Both the Mayor of London and the Met Police have responded to the rising threat and their methods of handling it.
Commander Owain Richards, the lead for phone thefts in London commented: “We understand the impact mobile phone theft can have on victims. It’s an invasive and sometimes violent crime and we’re committed to protecting Londoners and tackling this issue as we make the capital safer.
“We continue to use data and technology to build intelligence and track stolen items to target offenders and we encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been a victim of mobile phone theft, so officers can investigate swiftly.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan added: “The theft of a mobile phone is hugely distressing. While the Met are taking targeted action with patrols in London’s worst hotspots it is far too easy and profitable for criminals to repurpose and sell on expensive stolen phones.
“Last year I called on mobile companies to do what they can to ensure that their devices are not appealing to thieves, and I’m pleased that Google are introducing important new security updates.
“We know there is much more still to be done to tackle this problem, but I am committed to continuing to work with the mobile phone industry and the Met to catch the criminals behind this appalling industry, as we build a safer London for everyone.”
So how can you prevent and avoid getting your phone stolen?
When outside in busy London, one should always keep their phone concealed.
If you need to make a phone call, it may be easier to use some headphones so that you don’t have to take your phone out.
Some may even invest in wrist straps attached to your device so that it cannot be taken so easily.
Featured image credit: Robin Worral on Unsplash
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