Mobile phones are essential to modern life. They are not only a valuable treasure trove of photos, contacts, social media, but also gateways to our work, emails and finances. In short, a mobile phone connects us to our communities, both online and in real life.
When a phone is stolen it can be expensive and inconvenient, and it can also feel shocking, violating, stressful and sad.
Statistics show that phone thefts have been increasing, particularly in urban areas. According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales, an estimated 78,000 people had phones or bags snatched from them on the street last year. That is equivalent to 200 ‘snatch thefts’ a day and a 153% increase on the number of incidents.
While it is a worrying trend, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of it happening to you. And to limit the damage if or when it does.
Mobile phone theft offences also include “theft from the person” (eg. pick-pocketing) or “robbery” (eg. mugging), or “other personal theft” which is when a handset is left unattended in a public place, such as on a pub table.
Who is most at risk?
Data shows that younger people, especially those aged 15 to 39, are more likely to be victims of phone theft and that women are more likely to be victims than men.
Where are you most at risk?
Tourist sites are also key locations where criminals target mobile phones, with data from the Metropolitan Police highlighting these areas as hotspots.
Snatch thefts occur in areas with high footfall and pedestrian traffic, such as busy city centres or outside stations. Other types of mobile phone thefts also take place on public transport, public places and bars, pubs and clubs.