Currys has launched a new campaign to highlight the rising issue of phone snatching, where criminals use mopeds or e-bikes to steal phones out of pedestrians’ hands on busy pavements.

‘Snatch & grab’ phone thefts are on the rise, with the London Borough of Westminster alone seeing 34,000 incidents of phone robbery last year, many of which involved phone snatching. Original research by Currys of over 2,700 UK consumers showed that 77% of those living in large cities feel phone snatching is a significant problem, prompting 73% to fear having their device stolen when in the Capital.

Launching its ‘Mind The Grab’ campaign, Currys has installed prominent purple line pavement signage outside of its Oxford Street store and along the famous shopping street. The purple line, inspired by the iconic London Underground ‘Mind the Gap’ catchphrase, reminds pedestrians to step back from the kerb, keep their phone hidden and reduce their risk of snatch and grab theft.  

“Phone theft isn’t just about losing a device – it’s frightening, invasive and cuts people off,” said Ed Connolly, Chief Commercial Officer at Currys. “It’s time to draw the line on phone theft – that’s why we’ve launched the Mind the Grab campaign: a bold pavement marking we believe can make a real difference by encouraging people to step back from the kerb.”  

As part of the campaign, which is being supported by Westminster Council, the Metropolitan Police and Crimestoppers, Currys hopes to work with government and local authorities to expand the rollout and make it harder for criminals to operate. 

The retailer is also piloting a new training scheme for its store colleagues to help them support victims of phone snatching, including helping contacting loved ones and the police, assistance in cancelling cards and helping them get home safely.