I’ve been warning readers for months to be on the lookout when traveling (and even when you’re not!) since many locals and tourists have had some serious issues with mobile phones being stolen right out of their hands. Reporting by The New York Times reveals why London has become a global hub for this crime, uncovering organized networks that steal tens of thousands of phones each year and ship them overseas for huge profits. Below is a video showing how quickly thieves can snatch a phone right out of someone’s hand.
London is full of reasons to stare at your phone (maps, reviews and photos) and sadly, that makes you a target. Police investigations, as reported by The New York Times, show that phone theft in London has grown far beyond pickpocketing. Thieves on e-bikes or scooters operate in teams, targeting pedestrians near curbs, crowded landmarks and transit hubs. Some stolen devices end up abroad where criminals can sell them for thousands of dollars, making this a highly lucrative and organized criminal enterprise.
1. Always be aware of your surroundings
If you are visiting, keep these practical steps in mind. First, always be aware of your surroundings whenever you use your phone outdoors. Step into a shop or under a covered doorway to check directions instead of pausing on the curb. Avoid using your phone near busy intersections, tourist landmarks or train and tube doors where grab-and-run thefts often happen.
2. Secure your device
Second, secure your device on your person. Use a zipped pocket, a phone strap or a crossbody bag worn in front of you. If you carry a backpack, move your phone into an inner pocket. If you must use your phone for navigation, download maps offline or pull up routes before you leave a safe spot so you only need quick glances. Keep earbuds in one ear only so you can hear what is happening around you. Here are some travel accessories that can be helpful:
3. Prepare before you leave
Third, prepare before you travel. Activate a strong passcode, facial recognition or fingerprint lock and enable Find My iPhone or Google’s Find My Device. Back up photos and critical data to the cloud so you do not lose memories or important documents if your phone is lost. Note the make, model and IMEI number and know how to contact your mobile provider to block service quickly. Police say tracking features have helped them trace large caches of stolen phones and led to major busts.
If a theft happens, remain safe first:
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Do not chase violent thieves.
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Report the crime to local police and to your carrier immediately. Though some victims report that a police report doesn’t help get your stuff back, it’s still important to file one.
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Provide any tracking information and any video you may have recorded from a witness phone or CCTV. The Metropolitan Police have been carrying out large operations and prosecutions so filing the report helps build cases against the networks rather than leaving thefts dismissed as low priority.
A final practical tip: treat your phone like cash. When a device can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds on the black market, criminals are ruthless and fast. A few small habits, keeping your phone down, staying aware and walking with purpose, can keep your device and your trip intact.
I love London and have visited dozens of times but I haven’t been back since the pandemic so I haven’t witnessed these robberies first-hand. But one thing is for sure: When I do return, I’ll be extra vigilant about safeguarding my phone because losing your phone on an international trip can be a real problem for travelers.
