Phone theft victim loses £35,000 after device stolen
A phone theft victim who lost thousands of pounds is backing a campaign urging the public to secure their devices.
Kush Chaudary had his phone stolen outside a Soho bar in September 2023. Within minutes, thieves changed his code and stole more than £35,000.
The Metropolitan Police says organised gangs are targeting phones to gain control of mobile banking apps, draining s, taking out loans and making purchases. The gang involved in Mr Chaudary's theft were convicted and jailed.
The force says it is stepping up efforts to combat phone theft, with more patrols in high-risk areas and smarter tech to catch criminals. A recent crackdown led to 292 arrests in just two weeks, it added.
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