Mobile phone retailers in the UK are taking steps to address a significant rise in theft incidents, driven by organized crime. VodafoneThree, which operates the largest retail network with 650 stores, reported a drastic 967% increase in thefts in the first half of 2025 compared to the same timeframe in 2024. This surge has led to concerns about aggressive robberies, particularly in London and the south-east.
In response, VodafoneThree has implemented a locked door policy at some of its stores, requiring security personnel to monitor customer access during trading hours. The company defines an incident as a robbery or attempted robbery involving groups of two or more masked individuals threatening staff to access stock cages. Retailers have increasingly voiced their concerns about rising shoplifting incidents.
Similarly, Virgin Media O2, which manages 305 stores and employs about 2,600 staff, reported more than double the number of robberies compared to all of 2024. The company has scheduled investments aimed at improving store security, including hiring more security guards and installing panic alarms.
Both VodafoneThree and Virgin Media O2 are collaborating with law enforcement agencies to enhance security measures and have noted a reduction in successful robberies where these measures are in place. Since last July, Virgin Media O2 has reported over 40 arrests related to these thefts.
In addition, a recent parliamentary committee meeting highlighted the role of smartphone manufacturers, with calls for them to implement kill switches that would render stolen devices inoperable. The Metropolitan Police have been advocating for this measure for two years. Reports indicate that Apple products comprise a significant portion of stolen devices, with insurers noting a 425% increase in related claims in the UK between June 2021 and May 2023.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/sep/06/phone-retailers-lock-doors-tackle-rising-thefts