Apple is partnering with London’s Metropolitan Police to address the issue of iPhone theft. This collaboration involves sharing data to assess and enhance the effectiveness of Apple’s anti-theft features, such as Activation Lock and Stolen Device Protection.
These features aim to deter theft by preventing stolen iPhones from being reactivated and sold, and by safeguarding personal data stored on the devices and in iCloud. Concurrently, the Metropolitan Police have intensified efforts against smartphone theft, particularly targeting criminals using e-bikes and scooters to snatch unlocked devices. This includes a policy shift allowing police vehicles to make ‘tactical contact’ to stop offenders.
According to BBC News, the partnership enables Apple to receive real-world feedback on its security measures and make necessary improvements. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley stated, ‘If stolen phones cannot be reactivated, their value collapses, and so does the incentive to steal them.’
One challenge has been the use of illicit software to factory reset stolen iPhones, circumventing Apple’s protections. With insights from the partnership, Apple has developed solutions to block such software. Rowley noted that recent data indicates ‘the vast majority of phones’ stolen in London have not been successfully reset.
Crime statistics reflect the impact of these measures. Between June 2025 and May 2026, phone thefts decreased by 14,000 cases, an 18% reduction compared to the previous year. In Westminster, where a significant portion of thefts involve phones, there has been a 45.8% reduction so far this year.
Additionally, the Metropolitan Police are employing drones to track thieves on e-bikes, further enhancing their ability to combat this type of crime.
This collaboration between Apple and law enforcement highlights the importance of technological and strategic partnerships in addressing urban crime. By continuously improving device security and adapting policing methods, both parties aim to make iPhone theft increasingly unprofitable and, therefore, less prevalent.
Source: 9to5Mac
