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societySep 30, 202537:22pending

Swiped. Inside London's phone theft epidemic

About this episode

Up to 80,000 phones were stolen in London’s 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 £15,000 from a phone stolen from his pocket, another who lost £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 BBC News. Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: 07756 165 803 Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist and have your comments included online or appear on TV/radio.

Image credit: PA\City of London Police

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Swiped. Inside London's phone theft epidemic

File on 4 Investigates

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