London Police Accuse Apple of Ignoring Stolen iPhone Database
London is facing a phone theft epidemic, with over 80,000 iPhones reported stolen in 2024 alone. The Metropolitan Police have accused Apple of failing to use a national database to block stolen devices from being traded in for credit.
Key Takeaways
- Over 80,000 phones stolen in London in 2024, mostly iPhones
- Police claim Apple doesn’t check trade-ins against theft database
- Replacement cost estimated at £50 million
- Apple points to its Stolen Device Protection feature
How the Trade-In System is Exploited
According to police statements to MPs, Apple “already has access to NMPR and uses it daily to check the network status of trade-in devices, but does not check for theft or take action.” The National Mobile Property Register (NMPR) is a UK-wide database used by law enforcement to identify stolen devices.
Apple’s trade-in program offers up to £670 in credit for old iPhones. Without proper theft checks, stolen phones can enter this system, be cleaned, and resold or refurbished.
Staggering Scale of iPhone Thefts
The theft numbers show a sharp increase from 64,000 incidents in 2023. The Metropolitan Police estimate the replacement cost at £50 million, with over 75% of stolen phones believed to be shipped abroad, often for parts.
Apple’s Defense and Counter-Arguments
Apple has defended its anti-theft measures, highlighting features like Stolen Device Protection that prevent criminals from wiping or reselling phones without the owner’s credentials. The company is also considering blocking stolen iPhones using IMEI numbers, though it warns this could be abused through false theft reports.
Apple responded to police criticism by suggesting law enforcement should “continue traditional policing” by following up on theft reports and sending official verification requests to Apple.
iPhone Users Bear the Brunt
With nearly 80% of stolen smartphones in London being iPhones, the dispute between Apple and police highlights the lucrative global market for stolen tech. As both sides exchange blame, consumers remain the primary victims in this sophisticated theft ecosystem.
