MPs accuse Apple and Google of profiting from rise in phone thefts

Firms defend security features after police tell committee 80,000 phones were stolen in London in 2024

MPs have accused Apple and Google of profiting from multimillion-pound phone-snatching operations that police say are masterminded by organised crime gangs in Britain, Algeria and China.

In 2024, 80,000 phone devices of all kinds were stolen in London alone, up a quarter from 64,000 in 2023. The devices had a street value of about 20m, and iPhones made up the majority.