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Theft

UK Government Pledges to Crack Down on "Snatch Thefts" Amid 150% Increase

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK government has pledged to crack down on "snatch thefts" after a significant increase in the last year, with an estimated 78,000 people having their phones or bags grabbed from them on the streets. This surge in criminality has been driven by increased demand for second-hand smartphones, both in the UK and overseas. To tackle this challenge, tech companies and manufacturers will be called to attend a Home Office summit to explore new innovations that could take on the illegal market.

Key Takeaways:

  • The number of "snatch thefts" has increased by over 150% in the last year, with an estimated 78,000 people having their phones or bags stolen on the streets.
  • The increase in demand for second-hand smartphones has driven this surge in criminality, with policing intelligence suggesting that stolen devices are being sold in the UK and overseas.
  • The government will hold a summit with tech companies and manufacturers to discuss new innovations that could tackle the problem, including permanent disablement of stolen phones.
  • Operation Opal, the national police intelligence unit, will launch an intelligence probe to gather intel on the criminals who steal mobile phones and where these devices end up.
  • Local police will surge police patrols in areas most at risk of serious violence, including robberies at knifepoint, with a visible police presence to deter criminals and protect communities.

Statistics:

  • An estimated 78,000 people had their phones or bags stolen on the streets in the last year.
  • Crime Survey data indicates that the equivalent of more than 200 snatch thefts occur every day on streets across England and Wales.
  • Overall theft from the person, including snatch and stealth thefts, increased by more than a third in the past year.
  • 36% of theft from the person offenses involved theft of a mobile phone in the past year.
  • Operation Calibre resulted in police forces targeting 1,250 known hotspot areas, increasing visibility and operational activity, and arresting those intent on committing crime.

Sources:

  • Mil-OSI Publisher, United Kingdom -- Executive Government & Departments (https://milnz.co.nz/mil-osi-aggregation/)
  • Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson, Safer Streets mission
  • National Police Chiefs' Council lead for Personal Robbery, Commander Richard Smith

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