It Is Getting Risky Out There, as Recent Theft From Person Stats Show

Otherwise known as mugging, a theft from person offence is a street robbery of a bike, watch, smartphones, laptops, headphones, cash, jewellery etc. New analysis of official crime data has revealed the areas in England and Wales that are experiencing the sharpest increases in theft from persons. Here’s the word;

Theft from the person refers to the theft of property directly from a person without the use of violence or threat of force. This includes phone snatching, bag snatching, and pickpocketing.

The study, conducted by specialist insurer SJL, examined the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics covering the 12 months to December 2024. Theft from persons saw a 5% increase during this period, however, some police force areas recorded startling spikes, raising concern among communities and prompting further calls for targeted action.

The top 10 areas were dominated by Metropolitan Police force areas in London which have been tackling theft from persons, including phone snatching which has been a growing concern in the capital.

Waltham Forest saw the biggest rise in England and Wales with a 118% surge in thefts from persons. Hillingdon followed at 100%, and Hounslow ranked third at 69%. Lewisham placed fourth (62%), with Camden coming in just behind with a 61% increase.

Looking at the second half of the table Wandsworth was sixth at 59%, and Lambeth seventh with a 57% increase. Harrow came eighth (56%), and Islington and Brent ranked ninth and tenth with rises of 54% and 52%, respectively.

Outside London, other areas that saw sharp increases included North Wales with a 52% surge and East Riding of Yorkshire with a 51% rise.

Speaking on the findings, Craig Morgan from SJL Insurance Services said:

“These crimes are quick, quiet, and often go unnoticed until it’s too late. From busy train stations and packed shopping centres to music festivals and nightlife hotspots, we’re seeing offenders take advantage of crowded, distracted environments.

“No one is immune and many victims don’t even realise they’ve been targeted until long after the offender has vanished.

“It’s vital to stay alert, especially in areas where theft from the person has surged. We’re urging people to keep bags zipped, phones stashed away in crowded areas, and valuables secured at all times. Something as simple as wearing a cross-body bag, keeping items in front pockets instead of back ones, or using anti-theft accessories can make a big difference.”