In recent years, phone snatching has become an increasingly common crime. Thieves on bikes and mopeds take advantage of the speed and agility of their vehicles to snatch phones and make a quick getaway.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your phone – and yourself - from this type of thief. Here are some important tips for safeguarding your phone and staying one step ahead of would-be snatchers.
1. Be aware of your surroundings.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from phone theft is to stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings.
Stay alert. When you're walking down the street, especially in busy or high-risk areas, try to be aware of what's happening around you. Avoid getting too absorbed in your phone, as this can make you an easy target.
Keep an eye out for approaching vehicles. If you notice a bike or moped approaching, be cautious - especially if the rider is acting suspiciously or seems to be coming towards you. Make sure to secure your phone immediately.
2. Avoid using your phone in public.
We know that this tip isn’t always possible, but it’s worth considering. Limiting the use of your phone in public can significantly reduce the risk of it being stolen. If would-be thieves can’t see a phone in your hand, chances are they’ll pick on another target.
If you do need to use your phone, wait until you’re in a safer environment like a coffee shop. And if you must take a call outdoors, keep it brief and stay alert. Holding your phone to your ear can make it even easier for a thief to snatch it.
3. Hold your phone securely.
How you hold your phone can make a big difference in preventing theft. Thieves on bikes and mopeds often rely on a quick grab-and-go technique, so securing your phone is always important.
Use both hands. Whenever possible, hold your phone with both hands. This makes it more difficult for thieves to snatch it and gives you a better grip.
Keep your phone close to your body. By keeping your phone close to your chest, you reduce its visibility and make it harder for a thief to grab it without you noticing.
4. Use a lanyard or wrist-strap.
A phone lanyard or wrist-strap can be a great deterrent against theft. Securing your phone to your body makes it much harder for a thief to snatch it.
Choose a secure attachment. When selecting a lanyard or strap, make sure it's strong and securely attaches to your phone case. This way, even if a thief tries to grab your phone, it will be more challenging for them to succeed.
Wear it round your neck or wrist. By wearing the lanyard around your neck or wrapping the strap around your wrist, you add an extra layer of security to your device.
5. Keep your phone safely out of sight.
One of the simplest ways to prevent phone theft is to keep your device out of sight when you're not using it.
Store it in a secure pocket or bag. When you're walking around, keep your phone in a secure pocket, preferably one that zips or buttons shut. Alternatively, store it in a bag that you can keep close to your body.
Don’t put your phone on a table. If you're at a café or restaurant, avoid leaving your phone on the table. Thieves can quickly grab it and make a run for it - especially if it’s an outside table on the pavement.
6. Be super cautious in high-risk areas.
Certain areas are more prone to phone thefts than others, especially crowded city centres, public transport hubs, and tourist hotspots.
Stay alert in busy areas. In crowded places, be especially alert. Thieves often take advantage of the hustle and bustle of crowds to snatch phones without being noticed.
Don’t use your phone near a road. Try not to use your phone when you’re walking near a road. Thieves on bikes and mopeds can easily swoop in to grab your device.
7. Install a security app.
There are lots of good security apps available that can help you track your phone if it gets stolen and even remotely lock or erase your data.
Activate ‘Find My Phone’. Both iOS and Android devices come with built-in tracking features like ‘Find My iPhone’ and ’Find My Device’. Activate these on your phone as soon as possible, so you can track its location if it's stolen.
Install a phone tracker app. Consider installing a phone tracker app that can help you locate your phone and also offer additional security features, such as remote locking and data wiping.
8. Use a password or biometric lock.
Securing your phone with a password, PIN, or biometric lock (like fingerprint or facial recognition) can protect your data if your phone is stolen.
Set a strong password. Use a strong password or PIN that isn't easily guessable. Avoid using common sequences like ‘1234’ or ‘0000’.
Enable biometric security. If your phone supports it, enable fingerprint or facial recognition to add an extra layer of security.
What to do if your phone gets stolen.
We hope it never happens to you. But if your phone does get stolen, it's important to act quickly. We’ve got a great iD Community article that explains what you need to do if your phone is lost or stolen.
By taking the precautions we’ve mentioned above, you can greatly reduce the risk of falling victim to this type of crime. And remember, no phone is worth risking your safety. If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, do your best to protect yourself and get help as soon as you can.
If you’d like more information on staying safe and keeping your phone secure, the police.uk website has a handy article on protecting your mobile phone against criminals on bikes and mopeds. Do you have any tips of your own to share? Then feel free to comment below!