Mobile Phone Thefts Triple in London, Fuelling £50M Export Trade

Mobile phone thefts in London have surged dramatically, with over 70,000 devices stolen in 2024 alone, marking a tripling of incidents in just four years. Criminal gangs, often operating on e-bikes, are responsible for this spike, targeting pedestrians and exporting stolen phones to countries like China and Nigeria. The Metropolitan Police has reported that approximately 40% of these thefts occur in Westminster and the West End, with many victims including notable figures such as Lady Victoria Hervey. The financial impact of this crime wave is significant, costing Londoners up to £70 million annually. In response, the police have increased patrols and are employing tracking technology to combat these gangs, although most thefts remain unsolved. The overall situation has raised concerns among Londoners and visitors alike about public safety and the authorities' ability to address the issue effectively.