British Transport Police data revealed around 12,150 handsets were taken on trains and in railway stations in 2024, representing a massive 135 percent rise since 2020
A mobile phone is stolen every 44 minutes on the UK’s rail network, according to new figures. British Transport Police data revealed around 12,150 handsets were taken on trains and in railway stations in 2024.
It represents a massive 135 percent rise since 2020, when 5,167 incidents were reported. And it is leaving many victims without access to essential apps, with some having money stolen via banking details held on their phones.
According to the Crime Survey for England and Wales 2024, 78,000 people had phones or bags snatched on the street in the year ending March 2024. London is considered the main hotspot, with £50m worth of phones reported stolen in the capital in 2024 alone, according to the Met Police. The National Crime Agency says most of these devices end up abroad, in countries such as China and Morocco.
Others are mined for valuable data in order to commit further offences. But the worrying trend has now spread to the public transport infrastructure nationwide, with an increase in thefts up more than 130 per cent over the past five years.
The figures from British Transport Police, secured via the Freedom of Information Act, show the number has increased dramatically year-on-year since 2021, when 3,508 incidents were on record.
The stats up to the end of September last year show 9,096 cell phones were stolen on the tracks and in stations, with an extrapolated figure of 12,150 for the entire year. That means an average of 33 handsets per day are being swiped on the rail network, or one every 44 minutes. Arif Reza, CEO of leading global eSIM provider WorldSIM, said the people can protect themselves and minimise disruption.
He explained: “This is very worrying news and highlights the security issues surrounding mobile phones. With many new smartphones costing well over £1,000, they have become a major target for criminal gangs who see them as a simple way to make money.
“Having your phone stolen is distressing enough in itself, but the fact that most of us rely on our handsets for work and our personal lives, not to mention the sensitive personal and financial data they contain, makes it even worse.
“The best way to avoid falling victim to these crooks is to keep your device out of sight as much as possible and ensure bags and pockets are secure.”
Mr Reza offered some key advice on what to do if your phone is stolen. He recommends that you:
- Report the theft to the police immediately.
- Contact your mobile provider to block the SIM.
- Use the “Find My Device” or “Find My iPhone ” features to locate or remotely wipe the phone.
- Change passwords for critical accounts (email, banking, social apps).
He added: “One easy way to minimise the disruption of a stolen phone is to use an eSIM, which means you don’t have to wait for a replacement physical SIM card.
“You just have to log in and activate your eSIM on another device, which will help you regain access to WhatsApp, email and other essential apps instantly.
“They are safer than traditional SIMs, which can be swapped or cloned if stolen, and also ideal for frequent travellers.
“They can maintain connectivity without the hassle of buying a new physical SIM card wherever they are in the world.”
For more information, go to: https://www.worldsim.com/international-esim-card.
Mobiles thefts – British Transport Police:
- 2020 – 5,167
- 2021 – 3,508
- 2022 – 6,518
- 2023 – 10,937
- 2024 – 9,096 (end of September) = 12,150 (extrapolated)