London Thieves Prefer iPhones Over Samsung Devices

Mobile phone thefts in London have surged, with the Metropolitan Police reporting 117,211 incidents in 2024 alone. The phenomenon has revealed a peculiar trend: thieves are increasingly targeting Apple iPhones while showing a distinct disinterest in Samsung devices. This preference is attributed to the higher resale value of iPhones, making them more economically appealing to criminals.

Thieves are returning Android phones because they 'don't want no Samsung'

Numerous accounts from victims illustrate this trend. For instance, Sam, a victim of theft, was robbed by a group of eight men who took his belongings but returned his Samsung phone, stating, "Don't want no Samsung." Similarly, Mark experienced a theft where the thief discarded his Samsung Galaxy after realizing its value was not worth the effort. These incidents highlight a growing sentiment among thieves in London that Samsung phones are less desirable compared to their Apple counterparts.

Thieves are returning Android phones because they 'don't want no Samsung'AppleInsiderBoy Genius Report

Experts suggest that the preference for iPhones among thieves is primarily driven by economic factors. Jake Moore, a cybersecurity advisor for ESET, noted that "Apple devices have a higher secondhand market value," making them more attractive targets. This economic rationale is further supported by the observation that while the retail prices of flagship Android and iPhone models are comparable, iPhones maintain a higher residual value over time.

Thieves are returning Android phones because they 'don't want no Samsung'

The trend has left many Android users feeling a mix of relief and rejection. Victims like Simon have recounted experiences where thieves lost interest in their Samsung devices, leading to feelings of being undervalued. Simon's encounter involved a thief pretending to engage him in conversation before abruptly walking away upon seeing his Samsung Galaxy. Such experiences underscore the peculiar dynamics of theft in London, where the brand of the phone can influence the outcome of a robbery.

AppleInsider

While the Metropolitan Police do not track thefts by smartphone brand, the growing trend has raised concerns among security experts and the public. The data indicates that a significant portion of mobile phone thefts in the UK, particularly in London, involves iPhones. Reports suggest that approximately 40% of stolen phones are exported to China, highlighting the organized nature of smartphone theft in the region.

Boy Genius ReportThieves are returning Android phones because they 'don't want no Samsung'

• “don’t want no Samsung.” — Sam, Theft Victim

Thieves are returning Android phones because they 'don't want no Samsung'

• “Apple devices have a higher secondhand market value and it makes more economic sense to pursue these more sought-after phones rather than cheaper models with a lower secondhand price.” — Jake Moore, Cybersecurity Advisor

Thieves are returning Android phones because they 'don't want no Samsung'

• “If anything, I feel a bit rejected. My poor phone.” — Mark, Theft Victim

AppleInsider

The trend of thieves favoring iPhones over Samsung devices in London reflects broader economic realities in the smartphone market. As mobile phone theft continues to rise, the implications for both consumers and law enforcement are significant, necessitating a closer examination of theft prevention strategies and market dynamics.

Thieves are returning Android phones because they 'don't want no Samsung'