Snatch thefts in UK

The UK Government has announced a crackdown on 'snatch thefts' following a staggering 153% increase in such crimes over the past year, with an estimated 78,000 incidents reported. This surge, amounting to over 200 thefts per day, is largely attributed to rising demand for second-hand smartphones, both domestically and internationally. In response, the Home Office will host a summit with tech companies to discuss innovations that can prevent stolen phones from being resold. Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasized the need for concerted efforts between government, law enforcement, and technology firms to disrupt the operations of phone thieves. Additionally, Operation Opal will be launched to gather intelligence on mobile phone theft networks and enhance police response in hotspot areas. With the return of students to schools and universities, authorities are keen to bolster public safety and reduce these troubling crime rates.