What should I do if my phone is stolen in the UK?

1. Stay calm and ensure your safety. 2. Use Find My iPhone/Android to locate or lock your device. 3. Report to police via 101 or online. 4. Contact your mobile provider to block the SIM. 5. Notify your bank to secure banking apps.

How many phones are stolen in London each year?

Over 78,000 phones were stolen in London in 2023, a 44% increase from 2022. That's approximately one phone stolen every 3 minutes.

What is the recovery rate for stolen phones in the UK?

The recovery rate for stolen phones in the UK is approximately 6%, making prevention and immediate action after theft crucial.

How can tourists keep their phones safe while visiting London?

Use cross-body bags, avoid using phones near kerbs or open train doors, enable Face ID/biometrics, turn on Find My, and save local emergency and carrier contact numbers before you arrive.

UK Theft Crisis

Blink and it's gone.

Over 80,000 phones stolen in London every year. Organised gangs use bikes, mopeds, and distraction tactics to snatch phones in seconds.

Protect Your Phone Phone Stolen? Act Now Learn How Thieves Operate

78,000+

Stolen in London (2023)

44%

Increase since 2022

3 min

One stolen every

Recovery rate

London visitors

Tourist safety: keep your phone secure in London

Fast tips for travellers and students: avoid kerbside scrolling, use cross-body bags, pre-save Find My links, and know who to contact if you’re targeted.

Visitor Safety Guide Emergency Steps

Before you arrive

Enable Find My, turn on device passcodes and Face ID/biometrics, and store IMEI + carrier contact numbers.

While in the city

Keep devices away from kerbs and train doors, use cross-body straps, and avoid flashing phones in crowded tourist hotspots.

If it’s stolen

Lock the device remotely, block the SIM, call your bank, and file a report with police—follow our 5-step emergency guide.

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Real-world scenarios

See how theft happens—and how to stop it

Slide-by-slide guides for moped snatches, public transport grabs, nightlife thefts, and more. Learn positioning, habits, and rapid response.

View scenario slides

visual playbooks

UK DATA

Theft Hotspots & Statistics

See where thefts happen most, when you're at highest risk, and how the epidemic is growing across UK cities.

View Statistics

Phones stolen
in London (2024)

Met Police data

Increase
since 2020

Met Police data

Result in
charges

Met Police data

1 in 6

Minutes
(theft rate)

Met Police data

View Detailed Statistics

Essential Resources

Prevention Guides

Secure your device with PIN locks, SIM protection, and app security. Learn how to prevent theft before it happens.

Learn How to Protect Your Phone

Emergency Response

Phone stolen? Follow our 5-step emergency checklist to lock your device, secure accounts, and report the theft.

See Emergency Steps

UK Bank Contacts

Emergency contact numbers for 25+ UK banks. Secure your accounts and prevent fraud immediately.

Find Your Bank

Mobile Networks

Contact details for 50+ UK mobile providers. Block your SIM and prevent unauthorized usage.

Find Your Provider

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