By James Simons-
Nearly two-fifths of robberies in London last year were for mobile phones, it has emerged, as police warned of rising thefts and insisted technology companies must design out the crime.
The streets of London, once bustling with people engrossed in their devices, are now perceived as potential hotspots for criminal activities. This shift in perception might lead to increased fear among residents and visitors alike, negatively affecting the city’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. As more individuals become victims of mobile phone-related robberies, it erodes the sense of security and trust that is vital for a thriving urban environment.
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The involvement of mobile phones in robberies presents unique challenges for law enforcement agencies. These crimes are often swift and opportunistic, making them difficult to prevent in real-time. Tracking and recovering stolen devices, especially if they are quickly sold on the black market or dismantled for parts, require advanced technological tools and cross-agency cooperation.
To address this, law enforcement agencies must invest in innovative approaches that leverage technology to both prevent and solve crimes. Enhanced surveillance systems, improved data sharing, and partnerships with technology companies can provide valuable insights into criminal networks and patterns. Additionally, educating the public about safe mobile phone usage and encouraging them to install tracking and security apps can act as deterrents for potential thieves.
The prevalence of mobile phone-related robberies highlights deeper socioeconomic disparities that contribute to criminal activities. Many of these crimes are driven by economic desperation, as individuals facing financial hardship turn to illegal means to make ends meet. Addressing the root causes of crime requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving access to education, employment opportunities, and social support systems.
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London’s struggle with the rising tide of mobile phone-related robberies brings to the forefront the intricate relationship between technology and crime. The prevalence of these incidents underscores the need for collaborative efforts involving law enforcement agencies, technology companies, policymakers, and the public.
An attack where violence was used or threatened was carried out roughly every 55 minutes, amounting to 9,500 offences. The Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, and the London mayor, Sadiq Khan, said the technology companies making phones, such as Apple and Samsung, could do more to stop them being attractive to thieves, such as by making it harder to re-register phones to new users.
Thirty-eight per cent of all personal robberies last year – equating to more than 9,500 offences – involved a phone being stolen.
The companies have also been summoned to a summit, expected to be held in the autumn.
In one attack a victim was stabbed in the leg and died. In another robbery a pregnant woman was struck in the stomach and later suffered a miscarriage.
According to statistics, nearly 70% of all thefts in London last year related to mobile phones, through offences such as pick pocketing and taking them from people’s bags and pub tables. Such thefts are up 27% so far in 2023.
Young people are disproportionately involved as victims and perpetrators of mobile phone thefts. London’s tourist hotspots are also ripe for mobile phone thefts, police data suggests.
In January 2023, Kyi-Riece Sylvester, 18, was convicted of fatally stabbing Stelios Averkiou, 16, as he sat on a bench in a north London park. The teenager was stabbed in the leg with Sylvester then grabbing his phone and fleeing.
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