University campuses across London see a dramatic increase in phone snatching

What was once a quick scroll through social media on the walk to class has now become a risky habit, with thieves targeting unsuspecting students at alarming rates.

Reports from multiple universities indicate that the rise in these incidents is not isolated but part of a broader trend affecting students nationwide. At the beginning of the last academic year, approximately 5,211 students faced the risk of having their phones stolen in London alone, identifying the capital as the worst university city for this type of crime.

Now, one year on, it’s even worse. According to official data released by government officials, “snatch thefts” had increased by 150 per cent compared to the previous years, with students becoming even more vulnerable to this rising crime. These thefts often occur in high-traffic areas such as students’ unions and outdoor spaces where students gather, making it easy for criminals to strike without drawing suspicion.

Recent reports also indicate that King’s College London is particularly vulnerable to the growing trend of phone thefts, with data highlighting Westminster as a hotspot for such criminal activity, with 18,863 reported incidents in the year to December – marking a 47 per cent increase from the 12,836 cases recorded in the previous year.

Camden was the second most affected, with 4,806 incidents, followed by Southwark with 4,376, Hackney with 2,761, Newham with 2,585, Lambeth with 2,394, and Islington with 2,117.

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Overall, in London as a whole, more than 52,000 phones were stolen last year. But no need to panic – there are lots of steps students can take to stay vigilant and protect themselves from phone snatching. Police recommend limiting phone use around high traffic phone snatching areas in order to minimise chances of becoming distracted and falling victim:

• Be vigilant around bikes and mopeds and try not to text while walking. You will be less aware of what is happening around you!
• Crime stoppers also recommend staying particularly vigilant around the hours of 6pm-1am
  on Wednesdays, as studies indicate that is the time where most phone snatching takes
  place.
• Stick your headphones in, keep your hands warm, and refrain from using your phone.

It’s got to that time in the term where we are almost certain that your student loan won’t cover a new one!