Phone thefts plague Britain with 230 victims daily, with London at the forefront

The theft of mobile phones continues to emerge as one of the most alarming crimes on British streets, particularly in crowded and tourist areas, with some thieves relying on snatching devices rapidly from owners’ hands while they are being used in public places.

Data for 2025, cited by the British Daily Star newspaper, recorded at least 83,000 incidents of mobile phone theft or robbery in England and Wales, equivalent to approximately 230 cases per day. London topped the figures with more than 72,000 incidents, while Westminster emerged as one of the most affected areas.

Despite the rise in numbers, the data indicates a decline in total cases compared to 2024, amid intensified efforts by British police to combat the phenomenon, including increased presence in areas most prone to thefts and the deployment of modern field technologies and tools.

The British Metropolitan Police also announced cooperation with Apple to reduce the possibility of reusing stolen phones, a move aimed at diminishing their value in illegal markets and curbing the incentives for theft.

Authorities continue to urge technology companies to develop more effective measures to render stolen devices inoperable or unsellable.