The scale of the problem

The scale of the problem

  • In 2024, London saw a record 116,655 mobile phones reported stolen - equivalent to 13 phones every hour, or 320 each day.
  • E20, like much of East London, has seen a sharp increase in thefts, with incidents most common in the late afternoon and early evening.
  • The vast majority of thefts involve phones being snatched from people’s hands in public places, often by thieves using bikes or mopeds.
  • Despite the high number of thefts, only a small fraction of cases result in charges, highlighting the importance of prevention.
  • Many victims are female, and Apple iPhones are the most commonly stolen devices.