Theft of smartphones and mobile phones is on the rise – even the much-criticised police recorded crime figures (featured in the March 2014 print issue of Professional Security magazine) admit that.
Hence the Home Office has brought out an ‘information pack’, or 11-page guidance to combat the crime. Visit – https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/282747/TheftFromPerson.pdf
‘Theft from person’ covers theft (including attempts) of item or items (such as mobile phone, handbag, wallet, cash, phone) from the victim, but without the use of physical force against the victim, or the threat of it. It broadly breaks down into two types:
Snatch theft – where there may be an element of force involved but this is just enough to snatch the property away – for example taking a bag cleanly from a shoulder; and
Stealth theft (pick-pocketing) – where no force is used and the victim is unaware of the incident.
Some findings
Offenders are prepared to travel quite long distances (up to 17 miles) to hot spot areas to commit ‘theft from the person,’ and, with an average age of 32, they tend to be older than other offenders;
• Two thirds of offences occur during the day. During the week, ‘theft from the person’ is mainly a mid-afternoon offence, whereas at the weekend it switches to the night–time economy. But much of the recent rise has been seen in the night-time economy, particularly in London;
• 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) rather than because they appear to be wealthy. Women appear to be targeted more than men, particularly aged 18 to 24;
• Offenders target night time venues. Late night public transport is also a hot spot.
How to warn pub-goers or concert-goers, students and young professionals using their smartphone on their way to or from work, not to flash their expensive and portable property in front of thieves?! The document has this ‘lessons learnt’ advice:
Focusing on a type of possession (such as handbag or mobile) in communication campaigns, rather than all possessions, can reduce the potential of raising a general fear of crime unnecessarily.
• Young people are less responsive to “put it away” messages – mobiles are meant to be used when out and about. Therefore asking them to be discreet may resonate more.
• Tone of voice and language is particularly sensitive – use terms like ‘opportunistic robbery’ rather than ‘violent robbery’ to minimise fear of crime.
• Adverts or promotional materials reminding people to keep their valuables hidden or safe at the point of the crime (such as in a shop, cafe or pub) have been proven to be effective. And –
There is some evidence that messages framed around what other people do (‘most people don’t…’) – particularly when localised (‘most people in this area/bar wouldn’t…’) have been effective in prompting potential victims to take more care.
Among posters offered as good examples of alerting the law-abiding (and hopefully deterring the offenders) are ones by police; and Newcastle University’s estate security service (’Cycle thieves are watching you’), run with Northumbria Police.
