Just saw this article that talks about the rise in cell phone theft. It follows a story I saw on one of the nightly news programs here about the money making power (and relative ease) of selling stolen phones for their parts.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jul/26/mobile-phone-theft-europe-uk-police
Here’s a link to the news story from this past week.
I saw that too. Very sobering. Last fall we started using lanyards when we travel abroad, hooking our phones to our belt loops or, in my case, purse. Funny I never feel vulnerable at home.
Also in the British papers. Maybe we should all go back to using cameras again as some of the cheap ones are really good these days and no risk of your data getting stolen. Also less to lose if you drop it. Then only bring out mobile phone when needed.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14940725/iPhone-snatched-Baker-Street-London-Hong-Kong.html
James, the problem with that is I use my phone not just for photos, but for directions, sightseeing info, restaurants, and so on. So that option doesn't work for me (and probably most people).
I think the cross body straps are supposed be work quite well in stopping snatch thieves
I think the cross body straps are supposed be work quite well in stopping snatch thieves
That works well for purses, but I didn't know they made cross body straps for phones.
Some of the phone lanyards can be used cross-body. I used one such in Barcelona, a city I was not familiar with, recently.
On the other hand, I'm just back from second trip to London this year. Phone stayed in my hand(s) or my crossbody purse. I know there are some Tube and rail stations with warning signs and announcements. I do try to be always aware of surroundings and how I'm holding/using my phone.
Result from a simple search. Probably can be found cheaper
A lot of people do not use their common sense when using their phones.
Well exactly Robin - keep it in your pocket unless you need to check a map or take a photo. In which case take it out somewhere that's not crowded (and not on the traffic side of the pavement) and put it back as soon as you're finished. I'm amazed at the number of people I see walking along staring at a map the whole way.
That said, it's worthwhile being aware of pickpockets as well. Last year I caught someone with her hand in my daughter's handbag as we walked up Piccadilly. Absolutely brazen, but a good reminder to keep bags zipped up.
Yes this is a problem in London at the moment but also keep it in perspective. Think how many millions of people are using their phones out and about everyday without a problem.
‘Traditionally’ this type of theft has commonly happened outside of tube stations. People wander out distractedly staring at their phones to look at a map or contact friends. It also happens on quieter streets, where people might feel safer and the thieves have an easier and faster exit.
If the thieves can’t see your phone they can’t steal it.
Don’t wander around within your hand.
If you need to use it step way from the kerb and stand by the wall side of the pavement. To be honest this is also the polite thing to do so you aren’t blocking the path of other people.
I personally am not a fan of lanyards and anti theft bags. If someone tries to snatch something from me at speed I want them to take it. I do not want to be dragged along by them. This is based on the experience of a friend’s mum when someone tried to snatch her bag in Barcelona. She was dragged down the street and ended up in hospital with broken bones. If you do choose to use a lanyard etc at least choose one where the strap can snap. Not just because of thieves but also in case they become caught for example in a bus or tube door.
Emma is spot on with everything imho.
I'd also like to think that these things come in cycles; it's a problem just now but will probably die out as the current crop of kids and young people who are committing these crimes move on to other things.
A lot of people do not use their common sense when using their phones.
Bingo! This is the primary safety technique. Stay aware of your surroundings and be in "code yellow" at all times. I used to work at a college in the city where multiple students had their phones stolen. One technique was to ask the student "what time is it?" When the student pulled out their phone to check (these are kids, they don't wear watches), the thief would hit them hard and take the phone. Police referred to it as "Apple Picking."
A number of the phone thieves in London use bikes. They cycle slowly near the pavement looking for someone who is using a phone and then snatch it before cycling swiftly off.
The cross body straps act to prevent this since it would probably pull someone off a bike before the strap would give way.
