'Snatch thefts' of bags and mobiles on streets of England and Wales more than double - as government promises crackdown

A massive rise in bag and phone “snatch thefts” has prompted the government to promise a crack down on street crime.

An estimated 78,000 people, or more than 200 a day, had their phones or bags stolen in the year leading up to March 2024, according to Home Office analysis of data from the Crime Survey for England and Wales.

That is more than double the 31,000 incidents of “snatch thefts” in the same period to March 2023.

Police intelligence shows that the increase is likely driven by greater demand for second-hand smartphones in the UK and abroad.

However, despite the massive rise in thefts, only 0.8% of “theft from the person” led to a charge.

Meanwhile, 81.9% of police investigations were closed before a suspect was found.

Government vows crackdown

The government has said it will tackle this soaring criminal market.

The Home Office plans to call tech companies and manufacturers to a summit in which it would look at “new innovations” that may help foil criminals.

The government also plans to ask police chiefs for more help in tackling the issue, with Operation Opal – the national police intelligence unit – launching a probe to gather information on the criminals stealing the phones, and where the devices end up.

This, the Home Office said, will build a better picture of the stolen mobile phone market.

Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “These figures are troubling and the government is determined to do whatever’s necessary to protect people entitled to walk the streets without the threat of robbery.

“As part of our Safer Streets mission, this new government is determined to crack down on snatch theft, knife-enabled robbery, and other crimes that make people feel unsafe in our communities, and we are working to get thousands more uniformed officers into our communities to restore neighbourhood policing.

“Phone companies must ensure that any stolen phones can be quickly, easily, and permanently disabled, rather than re-registered for sale on the second-hand market, and we will be meeting them soon to discuss what further action is required to make that happen.”