Mobile Phone Theft - Prevention Advice

Protect your mobile phone against thieves on bikes and mopeds

Thieves often use bikes and mopeds to snatch mobile phones from people, particularly at busy locations such as outside stations, shopping centres or concert venues. Often victims are approached from behind while talking or texting on phones. Thieves on mopeds or bicycles may mount the pavement to grab the phone or snatch it from the road. Sometimes when it’s a moped, a pillion passenger will snatch it.

While most thefts happen between six and ten at night, thieves operate during the day too, so always look out for what’s going on around you. Follow these simple steps to help protect your phone.

Be aware of your surroundings

If you need to call or use your phone on the street, look out for anyone on a bike or a moped near you. Look up, look out

Make it quick so you don't become distracted

Don't text while you're walking – you won't notice what's going on around you

If that's not possible, stand away from the roadside, close to a building or wall, so no one can come up behind you

Going hands-free can prevent a thief from snatching your phone out of your hand

You are less likely to be targeted if you look confident. Move with purpose and try to be aware of your surroundings.

Be alert!

Thieves can be very clever in identifying potential victims and using distraction techniques or threats of violence, but they are also very aware of their surroundings and make a plan on how to steal someone’s phone. We will continue to chase down and arrest those responsible, providing updates when we can. In the meantime, there a number of things you can do to keep yourself safe: