In March 2026, SPB UK was invited by the Metropolitan Police to attend the International Mobile Phone Crime Conference in London as an industry member with a dedicated interest in tackling mobile phone theft. Our involvement reflects the growing recognition that insurers, technology manufacturers, law enforcement and policymakers must work together to address the rising threat of mobile phone crime and the organised networks that drive it.
Mobile Phone Theft: A Serious and Organised Threat
Mobile phone theft is far from a petty offence. Victims often face immediate disruption, but the longer‑term risks are far greater: stolen devices can be used to access bank accounts, personal data and digital identities, leaving people vulnerable to fraud and emotional harm.
At the conference, the Met Police highlighted the increasingly organised nature of phone theft, a criminal economy that stretches from street‑level snatch thieves to sophisticated international handlers who traffic stolen devices overseas. In response, the Met has formed a specialist taskforce targeting every link in this chain.
Mayor Sadiq Khan Calls for Stronger Manufacturer Action
One of the most compelling voices at the event was Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, who reinforced the scale of the threat and urged the mobile industry to go further.
While manufacturers have made significant strides in protecting software and personal data, the Mayor emphasised the need to design out the residual hardware value that continues to incentivise theft. His message was clear: if a stolen phone cannot be resold, stripped for parts or used for criminal gain, the economic foundations of mobile phone crime will collapse.
Khan called on the industry to make this a priority in future product development, highlighting that public safety must be embedded into the design of new devices and not bolted on afterwards.
Manufacturers Respond: Apple, Google and Samsung Outline Their Commitment
Senior representatives from Apple, Google and Samsung were in attendance, confirming that mobile phone crime prevention is firmly embedded into their innovation agendas.
Across panel sessions, all three manufacturers discussed the advancements they are developing to make stolen devices increasingly worthless to criminals, from enhanced hardware‑level lockouts to emerging technology that restricts illicit refurbishing or international resale.
Their presence signalled a strong alignment between industry and policing, and a shared commitment to reducing the opportunities for criminals to profit from stolen devices.
Insurance2go: Supporting Public Awareness and Consumer Protection
SPB UK was represented through Insurance2go, our direct‑to‑consumer brand specialising in mobile and gadget insurance. Our role extends beyond providing financial protection, we are committed to consumer education, helping people understand how to reduce the risk of theft and how to respond if a device is compromised.
With phones now acting as the central hub for communication, payments, identity and personal safety, protecting them has never been more important. We continue to play an active part in raising awareness and supporting customers when incidents occur.
A Shared Mission to Keep the Public Safe
SPB UK is proud to have been invited by the Met Police to contribute to this vital conversation. The conference made one thing clear: progress depends on collaboration. Enforcement, technology, policy and consumer education must all work in unison to reduce mobile phone crime and protect the public.
We look forward to continuing our work with the Met Police, government, manufacturers and industry partners, ensuring the safety and security of mobile phone owners remains at the forefront of innovation and public protection.