UK Faces Surge in phone Thefts; government Takes Action

The united kingdom is experiencing a sharp increase in phone and bag snatching incidents, with over 200 cases reported daily. In the past year alone, approximately 78,000 people have fallen victim to these thefts. The surge is largely attributed to the rising demand for second-hand smartphones, which has fueled a booming illegal market for stolen devices.

In response to this crisis, the home office has organized a summit involving major technology companies and manufacturers. The aim is to devise strategies to combat the illegal trade in stolen goods, especially smartphones. The latest Crime survey indicates that theft rates for these items are at their highest level in a decade, compared to the average rates from 2012 to 2013.

Police minister Dame Diana Johnson emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding citizens from such crimes. She highlighted the need for phone companies to ensure that stolen devices can be quickly and permanently disabled to prevent them from being resold in the second-hand market.

Commander richard Smith, head of the National police Chiefs’ Council on personal robbery, stressed the severe impact these crimes have on victims. He noted that thieves often target vulnerable individuals, including children, and use violence, making the experience even more distressing. The police are focusing on 1,250 high-risk areas known for personal robberies and have increased their presence to arrest individuals planning such crimes. However, Smith also pointed out that simply making arrests isn’t enough; collaboration with tech companies is crucial to making it harder for thieves to sell stolen devices.

Despite the increase in thefts, the success rate in solving these crimes remains low, with only 0.8% of complaints leading to charges. In response, Operation Opal has been launched to investigate phone thefts and track the flow of stolen devices. This operation aims to gather data that will provide a clearer understanding of the stolen phone market and guide further actions to address the issue.
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Balasahana Suresh

03/09/2024 07:16 PM