STORY
Dawn Butler MP has called for urgent government action to address the growing crisis of mobile phone theft, citing the widespread impact on victims and the increasing boldness of criminal gangs. Speaking in Parliament, the Labour MP for Brent East highlighted the scale of the problem, with over 300 mobile phones stolen every day, many through violent attacks and robberies.
In her speech, Butler introduced an amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill that would impose stricter requirements on phone manufacturers and networks. Her proposal would require companies to block stolen phones within 48 hours of a police report. If they fail to do so, they could face fines of £10,000 per device. She criticised the current voluntary system, stating that the industry has not done enough to deter theft or make phones worthless to criminals.
Butler described mobile phone theft as a gateway crime that fuels more serious organised criminal activity, including fraud and the trafficking of stolen goods abroad. She noted that many phones are quickly unlocked and sold on, often shipped out of the UK within 24 hours. Victims are left not only without their devices but also vulnerable to further crime and financial loss.
Referring to her own experience of being mugged outside Parliament, Butler emphasised the lasting emotional impact of such thefts. She argued that a phone is more than a device—it contains personal memories, sensitive information, and the means to carry out everyday tasks such as banking and communication. The loss can be deeply traumatic, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
The MP called on the government to back her amendment and ensure that companies are held accountable for their role in reducing the market for stolen phones. She said the country needs to “take back control” from criminals, adding that the current system is failing victims. Without mandatory measures, she warned, the cycle of theft and resale will continue unchecked.