Ministers Commit to Addressing ‘Snatch Thefts’ Amidst Dramatic Rise in Incidents
In response to a staggering increase in phone thefts, the government has pledged to address the escalating crisis of ‘snatch thefts’ with a comprehensive new strategy. The rise in such crimes, which have surged by over 150% in the past year, has prompted urgent action.
Recent statistics indicate that an alarming 78,000 individuals have fallen victim to thefts involving phones or bags being forcibly grabbed from them on the streets. This surge is attributed to the heightened demand for second-hand smartphones, both domestically and internationally.
To confront this issue head-on, the Home Office will convene a summit with leading tech companies and manufacturers. The focus will be on exploring innovative solutions and new technologies to combat the illegal market for stolen devices. This initiative aims to build on the anti-theft features that several tech firms have recently introduced to enhance user security.
In parallel, the government is instructing police chiefs to intensify efforts against neighbourhood thefts. Operation Opal, a new national intelligence unit, will be launched to gather critical data on the perpetrators of mobile phone theft and the destinations of the stolen devices. This operation is expected to provide a clearer picture of the stolen phone market and identify necessary measures to address the problem effectively.
Local law enforcement will increase patrols in high-risk areas, especially those prone to violent crimes such as knife-enabled robberies. The goal is to ensure a visible police presence that deters criminal activity and safeguards communities. The government is coordinating with police forces across the nation to enhance community policing efforts and improve safety.
Recent Home Office analysis has revealed alarming trends:
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The Crime Survey reveals that, over the past year, there have been over 200 snatch thefts every day across England and Wales, representing the highest incidence rate in more than ten years. This figure represents a nearly 60% increase compared to the annual average since 2012/13.
- Overall theft from the person, which includes snatch and stealth thefts as well as attempted thefts, has increased by over a third in the past year.
- Over one-third (36%) of theft from the person offences involved mobile phones in the past year.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson commented, “With the influx of new phones on the market and students returning to school and university, the rise in these thefts is deeply concerning. The government is committed to protecting individuals from such crimes and ensuring their safety on our streets.”
Dame Johnson highlighted, “Our Safer Streets mission is focused on addressing snatch thefts and knife-enabled robberies.” We are working to boost the number of uniformed officers in communities to restore neighbourhood policing. Phone manufacturers must guarantee that stolen devices can be rapidly and permanently deactivated to prevent their resale. We will soon meet with tech companies to discuss further measures to disrupt the theft market.”
National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Personal Robbery, Commander Richard Smith, noted, “Personal robbery can inflict enduring trauma, especially on vulnerable individuals such as children.” Our ongoing Operation Calibre, targeting known hotspots, has increased visibility and operational activity. However, tackling this issue requires cooperation with manufacturers and the tech industry to minimize the resale value of stolen phones.
