If you’re reading this on an iPhone, you might want to keep a lookout. That’s because Apple’s handsets are the most likely to be stolen, according to a report by the Home Office.
The report is titled ‘Reducing Mobile Phone Theft and Improving Security’, and states that iPhones account for four of the five mobiles most likely to be stolen.
The iPhone 5 is the most popular for thieves, followed by the iPhone 5C and then iPhone 5S. The iPhone 4S is in fourth place, followed – surprisingly – by the BlackBerry 9790. We would have expected a Samsung in the top five.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is the sixth most targeted, followed by the Galaxy S3.
Most phones are pilfered on public transport, or in another public place that’s not in the street or in a bar or club. Women aged 18-21 are the most likely to have their phones stolen.
iPhone thefts have fallen since iOS 7 arrived with its new security features. This and similar security features have led to the black market value for mobiles to drop in recent years.
Home secretary Theresa May said that because of the increased reliance on mobile phones, more had to be done to prevent them falling into the wrong hands.
“The level of mobile phone theft remains a concern and people are increasingly carrying their lives in their pockets, with bank details, emails and other sensitive personal information easily accessible through mobile phones,” she said. “This is why it is vital that government, police and industry work together to tackle this crime.”
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