Background: In December 2022, phone theft in London peaked at 4,052 offences, the highest monthly record since December 2017. While the theft of phones precedes the pandemic, incidents have become increasingly prevalent since.
A 42% increase has been observed in the past 12 months between January 2022 and 2023. The crime rate has also increased from 0.3 per 1,000 of the population (January 2022) to 0.5 (January 2023).
How Many Phones Are Stolen Each Day in London
Moreover, data obtained by the BBC reveals that in 2022, a mobile phone was reported stolen every six minutes in London, amounting to 91,000 incidents or an average of 248 thefts per day. Only two percent of these thefts resulted in the recovery of the devices. Policing this crime is challenging, according to the Metropolitan Police, and daily operations are ongoing.
Analysis: The resurgence in crime generally in the past year can be pinpointed to recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, other strategic factors should be considered:
- The average cost (value) of mobile phones went up 7.8%, with some of the newest models being valued at over £1,000, increasing the attraction of phone theft to criminals.
- Increases in in-office work and international travel have also meant there has been an increase in footfall in specific industries such as retail, hospitality, tourism and the commercial sector, which are especially high risk for phone theft. This is primarily due to the ‘easy target’ factor where employees and customers of these sectors travel while using devices on the move, distracted and unaware of opportunist and organised criminals.
- Methods of crime have become more severe. Online chatter suggests there is an increase in robberies targeting phones where criminals operate in groups, use motorcycles or cars and carry weapons to obtain devices. School children, employees, customers and residents are also being targeted, broadening the victim profile.
- Measures to prevent or respond to incidents are also in decline. Among the most significant deterrents will be an active police presence on the streets. During the early stages of post-pandemic recovery, police numbers were better matched against footfall. However, as police service capacity has fallen and footfall increased, the crime count and crime rate have grown.
Top Boroughs for Stolen Phones in London
Data shows Westminster, Camden, Southwark, Islington, Lambeth, Kensington, and Chelsea (ranked order) are among the top 10 boroughs for stolen phones. Westminster continues to be the most high-risk area in London due to the population density, business and people travelling through daily.
Among these boroughs, there has been an almost monthly or bi-monthly increase in stolen phone reports during 2022. Incidents peak between November and December 2022.
This peak is likely linked to festive events, increasing footfall outside matched with shorter daylight hours facilitating targeted thefts with a decreased likelihood of detection. Time trends show that crime peaks between 15:00 and 18:00 and again between 19:00 and 21:00.
Other theft and theft from person are the crime classifications that account for over 88% of stolen phones. Robbery accounts for 8% of reports, followed by vehicle offences (theft from motor vehicles) at 1% and burglary at 1%.
Data looking at the location type of incidents also show an especially high risk near hospitality sector venues, retail stores, transport hubs and parks. This further highlights the prevalence of the issue in London, alongside the risks posed to a broad victim profile.
What Do Thieves Do With Stolen Phones
- Selling the Phone: This is the most common way for a thief to make money from a stolen phone. They can sell the device on online classifieds or in the second-hand phone market. If the phone is new and in high demand, the thief can fetch a good price for it.
- Selling the Parts: Thieves can also dismantle the stolen phone and sell individual parts, such as the screen or memory card. These parts can also be in high demand and can fetch a good price.
- Blackmailing: Unfortunately, some thieves use the data on the phone to blackmail the owner. If your phone contains sensitive information like personal photographs, important documents, or passwords, thieves can use that information to extort money from you.
- Selling Personal Data: If a thief gains access to your phone’s personal details like banking passwords or authorization codes, they can sell this information on the black market to identity thieves who can make millions from your personal details.
- Illegal Activities: Stolen phones can be used in illegal activities, such as drug deals or even terrorist operations. This can get you into serious trouble if the phone is traced back to you.
Tips to Protect Yourself from Phone Theft and Robbery
- Do not use mobile devices while on the move, stop to use devices when aware of your surroundings.
- Insure devices through mobile phone providers, reduce costs if stolen.
- Password protection and employ 2FA for any sensitive information: emails, apps, financial accounts, work devices.
- If confronted or threatened, do not resist. This will increase the risks of physical harm. People have been stabbed and seriously injured during phone robbery attempts.
- Intervening as a witness of a phone theft or robbery can also increase risks of physical harm or confrontation.
- Raise awareness of the risks and share advice. People of all ages can be a target.
