How to prevent phone theft in a busy city

In a busy urban environment, there are plenty of opportunities for your phone to go missing. Thieves watch for carelessness and moments of distraction, and with the crowds there’s plenty of opportunities for you to knock or drop it and crack the screen.

With everything we store on our phone these days, including payment cards, it can be catastrophic if your smartphone goes walkabout. Taking a few simple steps can help you stay protected so you can enjoy the city with peace of mind.

1. Stay aware of your surroundings

It sounds simple, but it’s the most essential and effective defence. Thieves often look for people who are distracted, whether by their phone screen or their surroundings, so staying aware makes you less likely to be targeted.

Especially in crowded spaces such as on public transport, in markets or at the most popular tourist spots, make it a habit to glance around periodically, even if it feels like you're being overly cautious. Actively demonstrating that you’re paying attention is the best deterrent.

2. Keep your phone out of sight

While it may be tempting to scroll through social media or check emails while you’re out and about, openly displaying your phone can put you at risk. Thieves watch to see where you keep your phone between uses, or just lurk and grab it straight out of your hands. If you need to use your phone in a busy area, consider stepping aside or moving to a more private space.

Expensive models attract most attention. If you have the latest smartphone, keep it tucked away when you're not using it in a zipped bag or a secure pouch on your belt or beneath your clothing to reduce the chances of it being grabbed.

3. Protect data with technology

If your smartphone is stolen, it can be a minor irritation or a major disaster depending on how well your personal data is secured. The cost of replacing an inaccessible phone is much lower than the price you’ll pay if people are able to access your private information and use it to commit identity theft.

Ensure your smartphone is locked with advanced security measures like biometrics. While not foolproof, these make it much harder for thieves to get into your phone. You can use your fingerprint or face recognition to unlock your phone, backed up by a four-digit code. Ensure the pin code is random so it’s harder to guess. Protect your personal accounts such as email apps with passwords supported by two-factor authentication.

Additionally, setting up remote tracking software, such as "Find My iPhone" for Apple users or "Find My Device" for Android, can increase your chances of retrieving your phone if it goes missing. In some cases, these tools even allow you to lock your device remotely or erase sensitive data as an extra layer of protection.

4. Consider mobile phone insurance

Despite your best efforts, it’s always possible that your phone could be damaged or stolen when you’re exploring a city, whether it’s your hometown or abroad. Taking out a comprehensive mobile phone insurance policy gives you the peace of mind that you can repair or replace your phone quickly if anything happens, with full financial protection.

Look out for policies that include coverage while you’re abroad if you travel frequently. Even then there’ll likely be some rules and regulations, such as the stipulation that you need to travel in line with official foreign travel advice.