As the demand for used devices rises in the UK, it has been revealed that more than 200 smartphones are stolen every day in Britain.
Based on data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales, around 78,000 persons had their phones or bags taken from them on British streets between March 2023 and March 2024.
This represents a jump of more than 150% on the 31,000 “snatch thefts” that occurred in the previous year.
Additionally, four out of every five police investigations were closed before a suspect was even located, and only 0.8% of “theft from the person” complaints resulted in a charge.
The Home Office has stated that it will collaborate more closely with internet companies and police chiefs as part of the UK government’s commitment to toughening up on crime and snatching of smartphones.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “These figures are troubling, and the Government is determined to do whatever’s necessary to protect people entitled to walk the streets without the threat of robbery.
“This new government is determined to crack down on snatch theft, knife-enabled robbery, and other crimes that make people feel unsafe in our communities, and we are working to get thousands more uniformed officers into our communities to restore neighbourhood policing.
“Phone companies must ensure that any stolen phones can be quickly, easily and permanently disabled, rather than re-registered for sale on the second-hand market, and we will be meeting them soon to discuss what further action is required to make that happen.
“If we work together, the Government, tech companies and law enforcement can break the business model of the phone thieves and moped gangs who rely on this trade.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for personal robbery, Commander Richard Smith, added: “Personal robbery can have a devastating impact on victims, leaving them with trauma which can be lasting.
“Criminals often target some of the most vulnerable in society, such as children, with threats that violence may be used, making robbery particularly traumatic.
“We continue to target those habitual criminals responsible for prolific offending, whilst working to prevent young people from being into this type of offending.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
