The bustling streets of London have seen a troubling surge in a particular type of theft – phone snatching. Over the course of this past summer, Londoners have witnessed an alarming number of these brazen robberies, describing four separate incidents where thieves on bicycles swiftly stole phones from unsuspecting pedestrians.
Unfortunately, these lightning-fast thefts appear to be part of a growing problem in the UK capital. The perpetrators use consistent tactics—cycling in groups, watching for distracted targets, and executing the snatches in a matter of seconds before quickly escaping. Worst of all, the residents’ interactions with the police revealed a concerning lack of investigation or proactive efforts to address this issue.
With London remaining a top destination for international travelers, the risk of falling victim to phone snatchers is a serious concern. However, by understanding the tactics used by these thieves and taking appropriate precautions, visitors can significantly improve their chances of avoiding this violation.
Telltale Signs
There are a few telltale signs that phone snatchers may be operating in an area. The resident noted that the robbers are typically young men on electric or conventional bicycles – often spotted:
- Wearing face masks
- Traveling in groups or “convoys.”
- Lingering on the pavement, watching pedestrians
If you notice individuals matching this description in crowded tourist areas, be extra vigilant with your belongings and consider alerting nearby authorities.
These gangs thrive on you being completely oblivious to your surroundings, so just paying attention to what’s going on around you is a great deterrent.
The lightning-fast nature of these robberies is also a key factor. Snatches happen in a matter of seconds, and the perpetrators are far away before anyone starts chasing them. This lightning speed makes it crucial to remain aware of your surroundings at all times and not become overly absorbed in using your phone in public.
Secure Your Devices
One of the most effective ways to deter phone snatchers is to make your device as difficult as possible to quickly grab and escape with. Invest in an anti-theft phone case or lanyard that secures your device to your body. Avoid keeping your phone in loose pockets or bags where it can be easily snatched.
When using your phone in public, try to be as discreet as possible. Don’t take it out at all when walking down the street. Shield the screen from view and keep your hand cupped around the device to make it harder for thieves to snatch. Better yet, step into a shop, cafe, or other secure location to make calls or access sensitive information. Do not walk down the street talking on your phone to your ear. Many videos we’ve seen of snatchings are people doing this very thing. Rely on a smartwatch or AirPods to interact with your phone while walking down the street.
Here’s a few things to do to your phone before traveling:
Know How to Respond
In the event that you do fall victim to a phone snatching, there are some important steps to take. First and foremost, report the incident to the police immediately, providing as much detail as possible about the perpetrator’s appearance and the location of the crime.
You should also promptly cancel any stolen credit/debit cards linked to the phone and report the theft to your bank. Consider installing a “Find My Device” app that can help you track and potentially recover a stolen phone. Reporting the incident may also aid your travel insurance claim if the theft results in additional expenses.
Here’s a few things to do to your phone before traveling:
Modern smartphones come with a range of security features that can help protect your data if your phone is stolen. Here’s how to make the most of them:
- Enable a Strong Passcode or Biometric Lock: Use a six-digit passcode or biometric features like fingerprint or facial recognition to lock your phone.
- Turn on “Find My Phone”: Both iPhones and Android phones have tracking features (Find My iPhone or Find My Device) that can help you locate your phone if it’s stolen. Make sure this feature is activated before you start your trip.
- Set Up Remote Wipe: In the worst-case scenario where your phone is stolen, you can remotely wipe its data to protect your personal information. This option is available through your phone’s settings.
- Backup Your Data Regularly: Regularly backing up your data to the cloud or another device ensures you won’t lose important photos, contacts, or information if your phone goes missing.
You will also likely never see the phone again, but you can at least remotely deactivate it and wipe your personal data from it. Thieves get around this by putting the phones in airplane mode right away; you can disable the ability to do this in your phone’s settings. Contact your carrier immediately and let them know the phone was stolen. You have purchased insurance coverage with your phone, or have it covered under your travel insurance. Contact them immediately. If you’re traveling, you will likely be without a phone until you return home.
While the police report will be useful for insurance purposes, that is likely all the help you will receive from them, at least according to reports I’ve read on social media. Phone theft is not a huge police priority in London, at least.
Avoid Becoming a Target
Above all, be proactive in minimizing your chances of becoming a victim. Maintain heightened awareness of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Avoid openly using your phone on the street, and keep valuables concealed under clothing or in secure, cross-body bags.
By understanding the tactics used by phone snatchers and taking prudent security measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling prey to these brazen robberies during your time in London. With a little extra caution, you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of this vibrant city without constantly worrying about becoming the next target.
Here’s a few other London safety tips:
Avoid Using Your Phone in Public After Dark
Street theft is more likely to occur in dimly lit or less crowded areas. If you’re walking at night, try to avoid using your phone in public places, especially when alone. If you need to make a call or check directions, step into a well-lit shop or café where you can use your phone more safely.
Consider Using a Burner Phone for Travel
If you’re particularly concerned about phone theft while traveling, consider using a cheap or older phone during your trip. That way, if your phone is stolen, you won’t lose an expensive device or sensitive data. You can keep your main phone in a safe place, like your hotel room, and only carry the essential phone for maps and communication while you’re out exploring.
Get Travel Insurance
If the worst happens and your phone is stolen, having travel insurance can ease the burden of replacing it. Many travel insurance policies cover phone theft, but make sure to read the fine print to understand what is included. Report the theft to the local police, as you’ll likely need a police report to file a claim.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.