UK accounts for 40% of European phone theft claims

Mobile phone theft has once again seen a summer spike in the UK, with notifications up 21% from the same period last year and expected to climb again in August.

This is according to data published by insurance firm SquareTrade Europe, released yesterday (28 July 2025), which analysed theft and loss data from 12 European markets, and found that the UK now represents 40% of all European claims.

London saw the highest claims rate, accounting for 42% of UK thefts, followed by Ilford and Birmingham. Government statistics put the country-wide phone-snatching count at 99,000 in 2024, the highest since detailed records began in 2003.

With thieves targeting premium devices, the average claims value now stands at £1,200. Some 80% of stolen devices were iPhones, with the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 16 Pro Max topping the charts.

The firm also highlighted a protection gap in device coverage, with only 20% of UK residents reporting having mobile phone insurance.

Digital identity

Kevin Gillan, managing director at SquareTrade Europe, said: “July creates a perfect storm – festivals, holidays and crowded spaces increase the risk of theft. London is especially vulnerable and the UK now leads Europe in phone theft claims.”

He continued: “Thieves aren’t just after your phone – they’re after your digital identity. A stolen device can lead to drained bank accounts, compromised emails and long-term financial damage. People need to understand that losing your phone today is far more serious than it was five years ago.”

One victim from London said: “I had my phone snatched three steps from my front door by two men on an e-bike. It was unlocked, but I managed to lock it remotely.

“The weakness of these app-based banks is that none of them have anything resembling a website, it makes it hard to even freeze a card.”