As you go about your daily life, you might think little of the device nestled in your pocket or clutched in your hand.
Yet, that very mobile phone, a portal to your personal and professional world, has become an increasingly attractive target for criminals across the UK. The ease with which these devices can be snatched, and the valuable data – and even money – they hold, has fuelled a significant rise in thefts, leaving many people feeling vulnerable and out of pocket.
Understanding this growing threat and knowing how to shield yourself has become more crucial than ever.
The surge in mobile phone thefts
You might have heard or read horror stories, but the figures reveal a stark reality: mobile phone theft is a rapidly escalating problem across the UK. London has seen a significant increase, with more than 70,000 devices stolen last year, equating to an average of 192 every single day.
The Met Police now estimate this illicit trade to be a £50 million underworld industry. Thieves, often operating on mopeds or electric bikes, grab phones from unsuspecting individuals and make a quick getaway before victims can react. Many of these stolen devices are then either quickly resold or disassembled for parts. It is a lucrative business for criminals, and a deeply upsetting experience for those who lose their devices.
How to protect your mobile device
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
- Avoid using your phone while walking in busy streets.
- If you must, step into a doorway or stand with your back against a wall to prevent anyone from approaching unnoticed.
- Keep your phone out of sight when not in use. A zipped bag or a deep, secure pocket is much safer than a back pocket or an open handbag.
Beyond physical precautions, utilise your phone’s security features. Set a strong, unique passcode or use biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition to unlock your device. This makes it far harder for a thief to access your personal data immediately after a snatch.
Consider exploring mobile phone insurance. While it does not prevent the theft, it can provide crucial financial protection to replace your device and cover unauthorised usage should the worst happen. Regularly back up your data to cloud storage so that if your phone is stolen, your precious photos and important documents remain safe.
What to do if your phone is stolen
Acting quickly is vital to minimise potential damage. Your very first step should be to report the theft to the police as soon as possible – you can do this by calling 101 or attending your local police station. The police will issue you a crime reference number, which is essential for any insurance claim.
It’s hugely beneficial to have your phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number saved in the event of this happening. You can typically find this in your phone’s settings or by dialling *#06# on your keypad.
When you contact your mobile network provider to report the theft, they can block your SIM card and, crucially, block the phone’s IMEI number, rendering it unusable on UK networks.
This prevents criminals from making calls or incurring large bills on your account. Finally, if you had tracking features enabled, such as Apple’s ‘Find My iPhone’ or Google’s ‘Find My Device’, use another device to locate, lock, or remotely wipe your phone. While you should never attempt to retrieve your phone yourself due to safety risks, remotely wiping it can protect your sensitive personal and financial data from falling into the wrong hands.
