Android phones given 'anti-theft' update to stop phone thefts
Last year, there were 11,800 robbery offenses linked to phone theft in the capital.
Last updated 23rd Oct 2024
Android phones will now have a set of theft protection measures in an attempt to reduce phone thefts in London.
Google has launched AI technology that they think will make phones less attractive to phone thieves.
The new enhanced security includes automatically locking the screen if the phone is snatched and allowing remote locking of a stolen device.
Last year, 33% of all recorded robberies and 69% of all thefts in London were related to mobile phones, accounting for 11,800 offenses.
It's hoped that the new phone locking technology will dissuade phone thief's as it will lock the stolen phones, making them hard to resell.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is now hopeful that more phone companies will follow in Googles footsteps.
In a statement, the Mayor said “The theft of a mobile phone is hugely distressing and we are seeing numbers increase all around the world. While the Met are taking targeted action with patrols in London’s worst hotspots it is far too easy and profitable for criminals to repurpose and sell on expensive stolen phones.
“Last year I called on mobile companies to do what they can to ensure that their devices are not appealing to thieves, and I’m pleased that Google are introducing these important new security updates.
“We know there is much more still to be done to tackle this problem, but I am committed to continuing to work with the mobile phone industry and the Met to catch the criminals behind this appalling industry, as we build a safer London for everyone.”