A surge in phone snatchings in London has prompted authorities to issue warnings and implement strategies to combat the growing problem. The Metropolitan Police have recovered 1,000 stolen devices and arrested 230 suspects in a week-long operation, highlighting the scale of the issue. Authorities are urging iPhone users to take specific steps to protect their personal and financial information in case of a theft.
Londoners are being warned to take precautions to protect their personal and financial information in the event of a phone snatching. This comes as police in London have recovered 1,000 stolen devices and arrested 230 suspected phone snatchers in a week-long operation. The Metropolitan Police have released footage showing plain-clothed officers apprehending thieves in the busy tourist area of Oxford Circus and on mopeds snatching devices from unsuspecting victims.
Snatch thefts have surged by 150% in London over the past year, with a phone stolen every six minutes. Authorities are urging iPhone users to take specific steps to safeguard their information. These include disabling access to the control center while the phone is locked, preventing thieves from turning on airplane mode and hindering tracking efforts. Users are also advised to create a shortcut that automatically locks the phone and disables airplane mode if it's activated. Additionally, enabling Face ID for crucial apps like banking, email, messaging, and photos is highly recommended. Storing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number in a secure location is also crucial. The IMEI is a unique 15-digit number that identifies the device, allowing for 'bricking' through a network. Where possible, using a separate phone for banking apps that can be kept at home is suggested. The Home Secretary will convene a summit with law enforcement agencies today to address this growing issue plaguing London. Commander Owain Richards, leading the Met's response to phone thefts, stated that they are witnessing an 'industrial scale' of phone thefts fueled by criminals profiting from the easy resale of stolen devices both domestically and internationally. He emphasized that while their intensified efforts are yielding results in apprehending perpetrators, they require collaboration with partners and the tech industry to effectively combat this organized crime driving the trade. Richards called on tech companies to implement measures that make stolen phones unusable
PHONE SNATCHING LONDON CRIME TECHNOLOGY SECURITY APPLE IPHONE MET POLICE ORGANIZED CRIME
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