Mobile phone theft in the UK is surging at an alarming rate, with new figures revealing a sharp rise in incidents that show no sign of slowing.

According to recent Freedom of Information (FOI) figures, obtained by The Independent, at least 83,900 mobile phone thefts between July 2023 and 2024, nearly doubling the 45,800 reported over the previous five years.

Mobile Phone Theft in Northern England
Certain regions in the North of England have been particularly affected:
South Yorkshire recorded 1,577 mobile phone thefts in the year leading up to July 2024.
Lancashire reported 1,467 cases over the same period.
West Yorkshire saw 1,256 incidents of stolen phones.
Cumbria saw considerably fewer, with just 210 logged incidents.

With thefts rising, authorities are urging the public to take preventive measures to protect their devices and personal data from opportunistic thieves.

Why Smartphones Are Prime Targets?

David Ansell, Head of eCommerce at second-hand phone specialist 4gadgets, sheds light on why criminals target mobile devices:

1.High Resale Value – "Modern smartphones, particularly flagship models like the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S25 and iPhone 16, can be sold quickly on the black market, making them highly desirable to thieves."

2.Personal Data Exploitation – "Smartphones are at the centre of our digital lives, with the average person spending nearly four hours per day on their device. They store a wealth of sensitive information, which criminals can exploit for fraud or identity theft."

3.Opportunistic Crime – "Many thefts occur because individuals leave their phones on tables in public places or use them while walking, making them easy targets."

4.Lack of Security Measures – "Despite built-in security features such as biometric authentication, PINs, and tracking software, many users fail to activate them, making it easier for thieves to access and resell stolen devices."

How to Protect Your Smartphone

As thefts surge, taking proactive measures is essential. Ansell offers key advice on safeguarding mobile devices:

1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings – "Try to avoid using your phone in high-risk areas, particularly those you're unfamiliar with."

2. Limit Public Use – "Snatch thefts are common among pedestrians. Reduce the risk by minimising phone usage while on the move."

3. Store It Safely – "Use zipped front or inside pockets in coats and jackets or opt for a cross-body bag with a secure closure. Wrist straps and lanyards can also deter opportunistic thefts."

4. Enable Security Features – "Set up biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, and ensure you have a strong passcode in place."

5. Install Tracking Software – "Activate ‘Find My iPhone’ (Apple) or ‘Find My Device’ (Android). If your phone is stolen, these tools allow you to track its location and remotely wipe your data."

6. Get Insurance – "With thefts on the rise, insurance can provide crucial financial protection, especially if you've invested in a high-end model."

The Role of Policing and Community Initiatives
Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, and Minister for Policing, Fire and Crime Prevention, Diana Johnson hosted a phone theft summit on February 6 2025
It saw policing leaders, the National Crime Agency, the Mayor of London and leading tech firms gather to discuss combating phone theft.

I brought together tech companies and law enforcement today to pursue stronger action against organised criminality and to prevent phone theft on our streets.
"It was a significant step forward in addressing the need to come together as partners to disrupt, design-out and disincentivise these damaging crimes.

The Government has already committed to investing £200 million in neighbourhood policing to help tackle theft and keep communities safe.