Phone Thefts Surge in London and Beyond

Phone theft in London is on the rise, with criminals using e-bikes and mopeds to target individuals in affluent areas like Mayfair, making off with their devices almost untraceably due to their speed and disguises. This crime wave is part of a larger trend in the UK, with over 78,000 phone thefts reported in England and Wales last year, the highest in two decades, prompting security experts to advise on strategies to protect devices. In contrast, scams involving counterfeit phones are increasing in Australia, where unsuspecting buyers receive fake devices that are cheap but impressive-looking knock-offs. A serial thief in the UK, using distraction techniques to steal phones from restaurant-goers, was recently jailed, highlighting the diverse methods employed by criminals to obtain phones. The theft of a phone can leave victims feeling vulnerable and disconnected, as these devices hold vital personal and professional information.