Phone snatching: how to reduce the risk when you're out
If this has already happened to you, it isn't your fault. Only the person who took it is to blame. Nothing here can make you completely safe, and you shouldn't have to live on guard. These are just small habits that make you a harder target. If you've just lost your phone, go here first.
If it happens
- Let it go. Crimestoppers, a UK crime charity, says it's better to hand items over than risk your own safety. That's our advice too.
- Don't chase them, on foot or by vehicle, and don't hold on if they pull. Get Cyber Safe, from the Canadian government, says not to try to recover a stolen device yourself.
- Get somewhere safe, and ask someone nearby to help. If you're hurt or in danger, call your local emergency number. Find yours here.
- Then follow your plan. Borrow a phone and mark yours as lost. If Find My shows where it is, tell the police.
When you're on the street
- Keep it out of sight when you aren't using it, in a pocket, a bag or a backpack. Crimestoppers says not to walk along with your phone on show.
- Look up first. Before you take your phone out, look around, including for anyone close by on a bike or motorcycle. Crimestoppers says thieves often come from behind on bikes and mopeds, and may ride up onto the sidewalk.
- Stop to use it. Don't text while you walk. When you need your phone, stand with your back to a wall, so nobody can come up behind you.
- Keep calls short. Newham Council in London suggests going hands-free, so there's nothing to grab. But Crimestoppers suggests avoiding your phone and headphones when you're walking alone at night, because they make it harder to notice what's around you. Pick what feels right for where you are.
- Keep to busy, well-lit routes at night, where you can.
Where to take extra care
- Outside stations and stops. Crimestoppers says these are common places for snatching.
- In crowds and on public transport. San Francisco's transit agency suggests avoiding phone calls while you ride, and keeping your phone put away.
- At cafes and restaurants. Newham Council warns that a thief can take a phone from a table in seconds. Keep it with you.
- When you're booking a ride. In the City of London, Crimestoppers says about two-thirds happen between 6pm and 1am, when many people are out or booking taxis. Book before you step outside if you can.
Most of this advice comes from the UK, the US and Canada. We couldn't open the Philippine National Police's own safety tips, so please check what your local police advise, because the risks are different in every place.
Make a snatched phone matter less
- Lock it. Use a passcode with Face ID or Touch ID, and turn on Stolen Device Protection. Apple says away from familiar places, it asks for Face ID or Touch ID for some actions, with no passcode fallback.
- Cover your screen when you type your passcode in public. A thief who knows it can do much more.
- Keep your cards out of your phone case, so that they aren't taken too.
- Never lend your phone to a stranger. San Francisco's transit agency includes this in its tips.
- Save your IMEI somewhere else. Here's our full checklist.
How FirstHour helps
FirstHour can't stop a snatching, and it can't lock your iPhone. It helps with what comes after. Plan B gets a first-hour plan ready, with your own hotlines, and you can send it to someone you trust or print a wallet card. Protect points out pictures of cards, IDs and codes, so you can decide what's still on your phone.
Questions
Should I fight back if I can see who took it?
No. Your safety matters much more than the phone. Remember what you can, such as what they looked like, or which way they went. Tell the police when you're safe.
Find My shows where my phone is. Can I go and get it?
Please don't, even with friends. Give the location to the police and let them decide what to do.
Does a strap or a grip stop snatching?
We didn't find official advice on this, so we can't say. If you use one, please don't hold on if someone pulls.
Sources
- Understanding robbery: information and resources, Crimestoppers
- Phone snatching in the City of London, Crimestoppers
- Mobile phone safety, Crimestoppers
- Theft and robbery, Crimestoppers
- Personal safety, Newham Council
- Smartphone safety, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
- Phones and tablets, Get Cyber Safe, Government of Canada
- Theft, Victim Support
- About Stolen Device Protection for iPhone, Apple Support
- Protecting portable devices: physical security, US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency