Phone companies are to be called into the Home Office to discuss measures to tackle crime after snatch thefts more than doubled in England and Wales over the last year. Government figures indicate that, in the year to March, there were an estimated 78,000 thefts from the person – defined as items such as phones, bags, and wallets being taken without force being used or threatened. This is a significant increase from the previous year’s figure of 31,000 thefts.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson stated that the government wants manufacturers to ensure that any stolen phone could be permanently disabled to prevent it from being sold second-hand. Additionally, police chiefs will be tasked with gathering more intelligence on who is stealing phones and where stolen devices end up. The rise in thefts is believed to be driven by a growing demand for second-hand phones, both in the UK and abroad.
The Home Office is set to host a summit where tech companies and phone manufacturers will be asked to consider innovations that could help prevent phones from being traded illegally. The government aims to build on anti-theft features already introduced to smartphones and hopes to disrupt the business model of those organizing the thefts.
At present, the prosecution rate for thefts from the person is very low, with only 0.8% of the estimated 78,000 thefts resulting in a person being charged. Almost 82% of investigations were closed without the police finding a suspect. Efforts to tackle thefts will also include continued patrol surges in areas most at risk of serious violence, including knifepoint robberies.
Commander Richard Smith of the National Police Chiefs’ Council emphasized the importance of targeting habitual criminals responsible for prolific offending and highlighted the role of manufacturers and the tech industry in reducing opportunities for criminals to benefit from the resale of stolen handsets.
Individuals are advised to contact the police and provide their IMEI number if their phone is stolen, as well as informing their network provider to cancel their SIM card. Both iPhone and Android devices have protections against theft, such as “Find My iPhone” and “Find My Device,” which allow users to locate and secure their devices remotely.
The government’s focus on preventing stolen devices from being resold on the second-hand market highlights the need for phone companies to implement measures to make stolen devices completely unusable after being reported stolen. This could involve creating a truly permanent lock to prevent devices from being turned on once reported stolen, ultimately deterring thieves from profiting from stolen phones.
