Phone Theft in UK Accounts for Nearly 40% of Cases in Europe, Data Shows
Nearly two out of every five mobile phones stolen in Europe are taken in the UK, according to data gathered by an insurance provider.
An examination of claims filed with the US-based firm SquareTrade indicated that 39% of all phone thefts across its 12 European markets occurred in Britain, despite the UK representing only 10% of the company's European client base.
The findings showed that phone theft reports in the UK had risen by 425% since June 2021, with 42% of these incidents happening in London. This represented 16% of all phone thefts recorded across Europe.
The data, reported by *CuriosityNews*, follows increasing concerns over phone thefts. Authorities say criminal groups are now targeting mobile devices as a low-risk alternative to drug-related crimes.
The Metropolitan Police stated that approximately 80,000 phones were stolen in London last year, describing the trend as an "organised criminal operation." The stolen devices had an estimated street value of around £20 million, with iPhones being the most sought-after.
James Conway, a Met police commander focusing on phone thefts, said gangs are increasingly turning to this crime due to rising demand for such devices in foreign markets, leading to "significant financial gains."
Conway added, "The same groups involved in drug distribution are now engaged in theft and robbery, as it offers higher profits with lower legal risks compared to narcotics trade." He also noted that penalties for theft are often less severe than those for drug offenses, particularly for younger offenders.
Law enforcement has urged manufacturers to deactivate cloud services on stolen devices to reduce their resale value. Representatives from Google and Apple told Parliament’s science and technology committee last month that existing security measures already protected user data.
Simon Wingrove, a Google software engineering manager, stated that their system for handling stolen phones was "effective and reliable."
Gary Davis, a senior Apple executive, acknowledged concerns about potential fraud, noting risks of criminals attempting to access or delete data to extort victims. He also highlighted the company's substantial investment in anti-theft protections for users.
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