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Swiped. Inside London's phone theft epidemic

With more than 80,000 mobile phones stolen in London last year, Adrian Goldberg discovers that criminals are now not just after your handset but also your banking and crypto apps.

Up to 80,000 phones were stolen in London鈥檚 streets and transport network in 2024, according to the Metropolitan Police. As File on 4 Investigates discovers, gangs are targeting unlocked phones.

We discover that if a phone is unlocked, criminals may be able to access online banking and cryptocurrency accounts within minutes. We hear from one victim who lost 拢15,000 from a phone stolen from his pocket, another who lost 拢40,000 in cryptocurrency and about the financial and emotional cost of trying to recover lost assets.

Adrian Goldberg joins City of London Police as they carry out a series of raids as part of Operation Swipe. They have recovered more than three thousand handsets in the last three months alone.

Reporter: Adrian Goldberg
Producer: Paul Grant
Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards
Production Co-ordinator: Tim Fernley
Editor: Tara McDermott

Have you had your phone snatched? Tell us your story via Your Voice, Your 麻豆社 News.
Email: bbcyourvoice@bbc.co.uk
WhatsApp: 07756 165 803
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a 麻豆社 journalist and have your comments included online or appear on TV/radio.

Image credit: PA\City of London Police

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37 minutes

Last on

Wed 1 Oct 2025 11:00
麻豆社 Radio 4

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  • Targeting the mobile phone thieves out to steal your handset and access its banking apps.

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  • Tue 30 Sep 2025 20:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4
  • Wed 1 Oct 2025 11:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4

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