New research has revealed that phone theft in London has increased by over 150% in the last year. 

Unsuspecting victims have found themselves searching for their prized possessions only to find that their handy phones have been snatched. 

And with the new iPhone 14 costing nearly £850, Londoners are cautious not to lose their phones. 

But now new research from Green Smartphones has found the areas of London with the biggest rates of phone thefts.

Using a freedom of information request from the Met Police, Green Smartphone were able to find out how many phones were stolen from a person in the last year across each London borough. 

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London's phone thefts hotspots

The number one hotspot for phone theft in London was the borough of Westminster with 5,911 phones stolen, making it at a rate of 23.96 thefts per 1000 people. 

Green Smartphones found that the main Westminster has a high number of pubs and bars in the area, creating a higher chance for thieves to snatch phones from restaurant tables and bar counters.

The second hotspot for phone theft was Camden, with 2,494 phones stolen in the borough, mostly down to the area's higher crime rate than the London average. 

Hackney takes the third spot for phone theft hotspots, but with its active nightlife and restaurants, it can be unsurprising for some. 

How to prevent your phone from being stolen

There are a number of things you can do to stop your phone from being stolen. 

  • Never leave your phone unattended in a public space, such as on a train seat or restaurant table, and never leave your device out of sight.
  • Avoid keeping your phone in your back pocket, especially if you don’t have deep pockets. Use a front pocket if you have one, or keep your phone deep within your backpack or purse.
  • In busy areas, be wary of people brushing up against you – they could be pickpockets.
  • Avoid texting while standing on the pavement, such as when waiting to cross the road.
  • Avoid texting while walking – this makes it easier for people to snatch your phone, as you’re much less aware of what’s going on around you.
  • If you do need to pull your phone out on the pavement, be wary of bikes and mopeds nearby.

London phone hotspots ranked

See where your local boroughs stand among London's phone theft hotspots.