Gadget theft increases by 41 per cent in London

  • Theft of gadgets including mobile phones, laptops, tablets and smart watches increased by 41 per cent in London in 2022
  • 108,900 gadgets were stolen in 2022 – 298 per day – including 89,633 mobile phones
  • Criminal use of E-scooters and E-bikes in these thefts increased by 185 per cent
  • Weapons such as knives were used in 2,480 crimes in London last year, 139 more incidents than 2021

The number of gadgets that were reported stolen in London increased by 41 per cent last year, according to new research by Direct Line Home Insurance1. The gadgets stolen include mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and smart watches.

In 2022, a staggering 108,900 gadgets were reported stolen in London, 31,615 more than the previous year and equivalent to 298 gadgets per day. The most common devices stolen were mobile phones (89,633), an increase of 43 per cent from 2021, and laptops (12,892), up 34 per cent compared to the same time period.

Direct Line’s research also found a surge in the use of E-scooters and E-bikes in gadget theft, increasing 185 per cent year on year. Criminals used E-bikes in 1,397 gadget thefts last year and E-scooters in 424 thefts.

The use of weapons such as knives and other sharp instruments is also on the rise. Knives and sharp instruments were used in 2,480 gadget thefts in 2022, a 6 per cent increase from 2,341 in 2021. Sadly, there were 180 injuries as a result of the use of these weapons, – a 35 per cent increase from the previous year.

Dan Simson, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance comments: “Londoners will rightly be concerned by the significant increase in gadget thefts last year. Not all thefts will be reported, so in reality, this number is likely to be much higher. Criminals are also becoming increasingly brazen, using E-bikes and E-Scooters to make a quick getaway.

“It’s important to ensure that your personal gadgets are covered by your home insurance when out and about, as well as at home. It’s worth checking if they are covered by your existing policy and if not, you may want to consider acquiring additional personal possessions cover.”

Crimestoppers - Five tips to protect against personal theft3

  1. Be aware – victims tend to be chosen because they are vulnerable for some reason (e.g. being on their own, or distracted, or under the influence of alcohol).
  2. Avoid talking on mobile phones or listening to music on headphones whilst walking – particularly at night.
  3. Protect your gadgets by:
    • Being careful using them outside train and bus stations, as these are popular locations for these items to get snatched, often by motorcycle or scooter.
    • Not advertising them to thieves by keeping them hidden from view and keeping public phone conversations short.
  4. Don't keep all your gadgets in one place, if you can possibly avoid it.
  5. Only take out what is necessary when going out at night.

-ENDS-

 

Notes to editors:

(1)   Freedom of Information data collected from The Metropolitan Police and The City of London Police between 2020 and 2022. Data received between February-April 2023.

(2)   Theft | Crimestoppers (crimestoppers-uk.org)

 

For further information please contact:

Alice Osborn

PR Manager

Alice.Osborn@directlinegroup.co.uk

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.  

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.  

Direct Line and UK Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc. 

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting https://www.directline.com/products/pet-insurance