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The Story
The organised crime groups stealing your phone
Feb 10, 2025
Dipesh Gadher, Home Affairs Correspondent at The Sunday Times, and Louise Eccles, Journalist focusing on consumer affairs, delve into the shocking rise of mobile phone theft in the UK. They explore the alarming tactics used by organized crime groups and the unsettling reality of stolen phones ending up in markets like Shenzhen, China. The discussion highlights troubling implications for victims and the inadequacies in law enforcement responses. Both guests stress the urgent need for improved collaboration to deter this epidemic and protect consumers.
27:59
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Quick takeaways
- The significant rise in smartphone thefts, driven by organized crime, has resulted in a doubling of incidents since 2021, reaching 64,000 in 2023.
- Stolen phones are often trafficked internationally, with 80% ending up overseas, underscoring the global implications of this crime wave.
Deep dives
The Rise in Phone Thefts
Phone theft has seen a significant increase in recent years, with reports indicating around 64,000 smartphones stolen in 2023 alone, marking a doubling of incidents since 2021. This surge has been attributed to organized crime groups that have taken part in what was once considered opportunistic theft by individuals. The prevalence of social media images showcasing snatchers in action further emphasizes the widespread nature of this issue, particularly in urban areas such as London. Statistically, hotspots for phone theft are concentrated in areas frequented by tourists, with up to 200 snatch thefts reported daily across England and Wales.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode