Fri, 24 Oct 2025

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 Tech bosses could stop mobile phone theft, say MPs

The chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee says "robust technical measures" could help reduce phone thefts.

* Mobile phone thefts are prevalent in London, with 80,000 smartphones reported stolen in 2024, up from 64,000 in 2023.
* 78% of stolen devices were later connected to overseas networks.
* The Metropolitan Police has estimated that stolen devices cost £50 million to replace every year.
* MPs on the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee have accused tech giants Apple, Samsung, and Google of not doing enough to stop mobile phone thefts.
* The committee chair, Chi Onwurah, said that technical measures such as blocking stolen phones from accessing cloud services could make devices "far less valuable".
* Google has responded by saying it has invested in advanced theft protection features, including a theft detection lock.
* Apple and Samsung have also been contacted for comment.
* Home Office Minister Sarah Jones said the government is putting more police on the streets to tackle offenders, but mobile phone companies have a crucial role to play in stopping mobile phone theft.
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