A significant increase in bag and phone thefts has led the government to pledge a crackdown on street crime.
Home Office analysis of the Crime Survey for England and Wales revealed an estimated 78,000 individuals had their phones or bags stolen in the year leading up to March 2024, which averages to over 200 thefts per day. This figure more than doubles the 31,000 incidents recorded in the same period up to March 2023.
Police intelligence suggests the rise in theft is likely due to higher demand for second-hand smartphones both domestically and internationally. Despite this surge, only 0.8% of thefts resulted in charges, and 81.9% of police investigations were closed without identifying a suspect.
The government has committed to addressing this growing criminal issue. The Home Office plans to convene a summit with tech companies and manufacturers to explore “new innovations” that could help prevent such crimes.
Additionally, they will seek more support from police chiefs, with Operation Opal—the national police intelligence unit—initiating an investigation to gather data on the perpetrators and the destinations of stolen phones. This effort aims to provide a clearer understanding of the stolen mobile phone market.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson expressed concern over the statistics and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from robbery. As part of the Safer Streets initiative, the government aims to reduce snatch thefts, knife-enabled robberies, and other crimes that cause community unease. Efforts include deploying thousands more uniformed officers to reinforce neighbourhood policing.
Johnson also emphasised the responsibility of phone companies to ensure stolen devices can be swiftly and permanently disabled to prevent their resale. A meeting with these companies is planned to discuss further measures required to achieve this goal.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Maldon and Burnham Standard reports that the UK Government has pledged to crack down on phone thefts, responding to a 150% increase in incidents last year. (read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why has there been a rise in snatch thefts?
Increased demand for second-hand smartphones in the UK and abroad.
How many snatch thefts were reported in the year leading up to March 2024?
An estimated 78,000 incidents.
What percentage of snatch thefts led to a charge?
Only 0.8% led to a charge.
What is the government’s response to the rise in snatch thefts?
The government plans to crack down on street crime and meet with tech companies to disable stolen phones.
What role will Operation Opal play in addressing snatch thefts?
Operation Opal will gather information on criminals and the stolen mobile phone market.