The Metropolitan Police has called on phone manufacturers to enhance security features in their devices to help combat a surge in phone thefts across London. New analysis reveals that many stolen phones are being trafficked abroad, fueling organized crime.
Stolen Phones Fuel International Trade
Data from the Met’s analysis of over 4,000 stolen iPhones last year highlights a troubling trend:
- 70% of the stolen devices had an activation lock enabled.
- 84% of these were later reconnected to Apple’s network.
- 80% of reconnected devices appeared on networks outside the UK, with the largest proportion found in Algeria, followed by China, and others reaching as far as Nigeria, Russia, and Brazil.
The findings underscore how stolen devices remain valuable to international criminal networks, even when activation locks are in place.
Met Police’s Appeal to Manufacturers
The Met has proposed several measures for phone manufacturers, including Apple and Google, to tackle the issue:
- Global Lock on Stolen Devices: Prevent stolen phones from reconnecting to cloud services anywhere in the world once reported lost or stolen.
- Visible IMEI Numbers on Locked Devices: Enable the IMEI number to be accessible even when a device is locked, making it easier to trace stolen phones and return them to rightful owners.
Commander Owain Richards of the Met Police stated:
“We are determined to tackle the scourge of phone thefts. However, this new data shows a clear flaw allowing organized crime to profit from thefts in the capital. That is why we need industry to step up and play its part by increasing security on these devices.”
Protecting Yourself from Phone Theft
As Black Friday sales bring shoppers to London, the Met has issued advice for residents and visitors to protect their devices:
- Keep belongings secure: Use zipped pockets and stay vigilant in crowded areas.
- Activate security features: Use tools like ‘Find My Phone’ and enable two-factor authentication.
- Disable message previews: Prevent thieves from seeing sensitive notifications, such as login codes, on locked screens.
- Record your IMEI number: Find it by dialing *#06# and store it safely.
- Report thefts promptly: Notify Apple or Google immediately via their device-finding services and file a report with the police as soon as possible.
Action Against Organised Crime
The Met is ramping up patrols in theft hotspots and employing advanced technology to track down perpetrators. In the coming weeks, police representatives will meet with phone industry leaders to press for improved device security and international accountability.
“We are increasing patrols in hotspot areas and using technology to identify perpetrators, but manufacturers must help by closing loopholes that allow stolen phones to be reused abroad,” added Commander Richards.
The initiative aims to disrupt organized crime networks profiting from phone theft and restore safety to the capital’s streets.
For more advice and resources on safeguarding your phone, visit the Metropolitan Police website.